On the Shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs

The violence and harm that took place last night at Club Q must be named as an act of hatred and terror against the LGBTQ+ community, and against the values we aim to uphold at Columbia. Informed by the values of respect, dignity and the inherent value of every human, we at Columbia condemn this act, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

November 20, 2022

Dear Columbia Community,

I’m writing to share my distress and sympathy for the victims of the shooting that took place late this past Saturday night at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The club has served as a haven for the Colorado Springs queer community, and has been a place for its patrons to come together and feel safe. 

The violence and harm that took place last night at Club Q must be named as an act of hatred and terror against the LGBTQ+ community, and against the values we aim to uphold at Columbia. Informed by the values of respect, dignity and the inherent value of every human, we at Columbia condemn this act, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Whether you are seeking ways to actively support friends, neighbors and colleagues who are LGBTQ+, or you identify as queer and seek educational resources, you can visit University Life’s website to learn more. As community citizens, we each play an important part in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion.

If you, or someone you know, has experienced bias, you can report it to the University or contact your Dean of Students or University Life at [email protected]

Please remember that University resources are also available to you, should you need them.

Sincerely,

Dennis A. Mitchell, DDS, MPH (he/him/his)
Executive Vice President for University Life
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
Professor of Dental Medicine at CUMC