August 8, 2019

Dear Campus Community:

We at Gallaudet University are heartbroken to learn of the two deadly mass shootings this weekend that claimed 31 innocent people and injured many more in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. We express our deepest condolences to all affected by these senseless acts. According to news reports, authorities are investigating the El Paso massacre as domestic terrorism and a hate crime. The motive behind the Dayton incident is still under investigation.

As we prepare to welcome back our multicultural and multilingual students, staff, faculty, and teachers for the 2019-2020 academic year, we particularly and strongly condemn the anti-immigrant, white supremacist, and racist sentiments in a written manifesto posted by the El Paso suspect minutes before he opened fire. We understand that such hate, combined with the current national climate, may magnify the negative impact of these incidents on members of our community. Just as with the Orlando Pulse massacre in 2016 and the Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooting last October, please know that we at Gallaudet reaffirm our commitment to the struggle against hate, racism, and violence in all its forms.

We have been fortunate to travel worldwide in the context of our work. These travels remind us that there is goodness in our world and great strength in our community. We have learned so much from our history of resilience. We understand the importance of belonging. We have fought long and hard for the preservation of our language and our value as Deaf people. Let it be this strength we remember in times like this. Allow that strength to be what lifts us up and supports others who are directly impacted by these tragedies. We also ask that as we all do so, we never let go of hope: hope for a more peaceful world because we know that we were all meant to be here together. 

Tragedies of this nature affect us all. If you need support, you may contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to make an appointment for confidential services Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. CAPS is also available for crises and emergencies over the weekend. CAPS is located on the third floor of the Kellogg Conference Hotel, and can be reached by videophone at 202-250-2300. Staff and faculty may contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). For emergencies, please contact the Gallaudet Department of Public Safety at dps@gallaudet.edu, or call 202-651-5555 videophone. Helpful information about coping with grief is available at www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm. 

At times like this, we realize the importance of standing strong together as a diverse community with one purpose. Our words and actions matter. Please do your part to strengthen our commitment to creating a welcoming community of mutual respect and understanding. We stand together against hate, xenophobia, white supremacy, and racism.

Watch for an announcement about a community gathering and unity walk to further affirm our commitment to each other at a later date. We look forward to seeing you all in just two weeks.

Sincerely,

Roberta J. Cordano
President

Elavie Ndura
Vice President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion