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OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
May 17, 2022
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ALL ACADEMICS, STAFF AND STUDENTS AT UC SAN DIEGO (including UC San Diego Health)
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Statement in Support of Communities Impacted by This Weekend’s Mass Shootings
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The Triton community grieves with and offers our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and wounded in Buffalo, Orange County and other communities that experienced mass shootings over the weekend.
It is distressing that shootings and acts of violence in our nation and in our local communities happen so frequently that issuing a statement in response to each incident feels ineffectual, but we must name hate, racism and white supremacy when we see it, acknowledge the suffering it causes, and take action to help stop it from spreading. As a community of scholars, we have the power to combat hate and ignorance. We have the power to help promote and celebrate the differences that make us unique, thoughtful, valuable contributors to a diverse and vibrant world.
While we do not know details of all of the incidents, authorities in Buffalo have indicated that the perpetrator intended to shoot Black people. He killed 10 cherished members of the Black community and wounded several others. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandmothers, church members, public servants – all beloved family and community members. They all lost their lives to race hatred and senseless violence.
We also know that a gunman opened fire inside a church in Laguna Woods, killing one person and wounding several others. The killer’s motive remains unknown at this time, but all the victims were congregants of the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church. These types of targeted, violent acts rob communities of color of their right to live the full, free, unterrorized lives to which we are all entitled.
UC San Diego condemns all acts of racism and violence in the strongest terms, and we continue to stand in solidarity with our Black and Asian communities at UC San Diego, in our local community, in the U.S. and around the world.
These all-too-frequent shootings are horrifying and heartbreaking, and we know members of our Black and Asian communities are exhausted, fearful of being targeted, and find it challenging to process these terrifying acts. People process pain in very different ways. Therefore, we ask everyone in our community to extend compassion and understanding to community members who may be struggling during this time. Your Triton community is here for you and ready to help.
Support Resources for Students and Employees
Students seeking immediate mental health and coping support may reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 858-534-3755.
CAPS resources include Community Forums – spaces in which students are invited to discuss thoughts and feelings regarding any socio-political stressors and campus/community critical incidents. Today – May 17, 2022 – there will be a Black Connections session at the Black Resource Center, with the goal of connecting and healing ‘in community.’
Other specific forums include: Grief and Loss Support for both undergraduate and graduate students; Black-identified Student Support Forums; and an APIMEDA Community Forum for students impacted by anti-Asian violence.
Campus employees can contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at (858) 534-5523. UC San Diego Health employees can call (866) 808-6205, company code UCSDMC or review information pertaining to the Employee Assistance Program on Health HR's website.
Together, we can overcome hate through continued education, advocacy and compassion.
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Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor
Becky R. Petitt
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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