Dear Members of the TC Community:

We are appalled and shaken by the racist shooting and killing of three Black people in Jacksonville, Florida this past weekend. This was a horrific hate crime that has left families grieving and a community unsettled and unsafe. 

Our College was founded on a mission of creating a more just and equitable world where racism has no place — and this shooting exemplifies all that we strive against in adherence to our mission. We resoundingly condemn this heinous act and extend our hearts to the families and loved ones of the deceased.

Gun violence, including that rooted in racism, has escalated exponentially in recent times, and it is only natural that these events can cause considerable anxiety and upset. This includes the shooting of the University of North Carolina faculty member yesterday. 

We encourage you to seek support among your colleagues and peers, and please remember that College resources are available to you should you need them.

Students may contact Student Support & Advocacy (SSA) by completing this contact form or contact Columbia University's Counseling and Psychological Services for counseling and mental health support.

Employees may access the counseling support through the Employee Assistance Program. 

Members of the TC community can contact Columbia University’s Office of Religious Life for religious and spiritual support.

Our thoughts are with loved ones of the victims of this shooting, and our community stays resolved in ensuring a secure, inclusive and welcoming campus.

Sincerely,

Janice S. Robinson
Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs

Thomas Rock 
Associate Vice President & Chief Student Affairs Officer