Dear Columbia Community Members,
We write to you with heavy hearts regarding yet another mass shooting in our nation. As you likely know by now, today a gunman murdered eighteen children and a teacher at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas in a predominantly Mexican-American community. This is a devastating act of violence, and we grieve for the families of the victims and the entire community of Uvalde.
As a community, we frequently speak out against acts of violence that are an affront to our core values, which recognize the fundamental dignity and worth of every person. We stand together as a community to support one another in this moment of tragedy.
Finally, we want to acknowledge that in the face of such news, it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. Please know that Columbia has resources to support you, should you need them.
Resources for Students
Please reach out to your Deans of Students as a first resource for support when you need it. Additionally, other campus resources remain available, including:
Resources for Employees
- The University offers resources through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can help support any Columbia employee. The EAP also offers a 24-hour hotline for personal, confidential counseling and referrals to professional services at 888-673-1153 (TTY: 711).
Please take care of yourselves and each other.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Boyce (she/her)
Provost
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Dennis A. Mitchell (he/him/his)
Executive Vice President for University Life
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
Professor of Dental Medicine at CUMC
