Columbia Spectator: Nearly 150 gather on campus to mourn Orlando attack on LGBTQ, Latinx communities

June 16, 2016
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BY AARON HOLMES | SPECTATOR SENIOR STAFF WRITER | JUNE 15, 2016, 9:32 PM

For lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, as well as Latinx students, the anguish that accompanied news of a massacre at an Orlando gay nightclub this week was especially pronounced. But on Wednesday night, Columbia’s campus served as a place of sanctuary and community for the nearly 150 students, faculty, and staff who gathered to mourn the victims of the attack.

The vigil, organized by the Office of University Life, began at 6 p.m. in front of Low Library with remarks from Executive Vice President for Student Life Suzanne Goldberg. Most of the attendees crowded into the shade of Dodge Hall as Goldberg described the proximity of the shooting to Columbia’s community. Behind her, rainbow lights were projected onto the columns of Low Library.

“I’ve spoken with students and with staff who knew Pulse well, including someone who was there just last weekend. For many others, the attack also feels deeply personal, directly threatening, and immediately painful, including so many of our Latino and LGBTQ students on campus,” Goldberg, who fought for LGBTQ and immigration rights as an attorney, said.

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