Dear Members of the Campus Community,
We enter another week marked by the horrific and senseless loss of life, this time in Boulder, Colorado—a place with many strong connections to the Puget Sound community, especially among our students and alumni. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, and all whose sense of security and wellbeing is shaken by the seven mass shootings that have taken place in our country over the last seven days.
While we reach out today to those directly affected by the tragedy in Boulder, I also write to express my hope that you are able to attend the vigil planned for 5 p.m. this evening (you can join the gathering here) to mourn the passing of those murdered last week in Georgia, and to show our solidarity with and support of all who identify as Asian American Pacific Islander. Communities of color have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and the continued manifestation of racism throughout our country. Our American flag on campus remains at half-mast in memory of those whose lives have been taken from them.
Please know, too, that this community is here to support you. Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services offers same and next day appointments that students can schedule every weekday. Resources are also available for faculty and staff members through our Employee Assistance Program, and to all from University Chaplain Dave Wright, dwright@pugetsound.edu, who reached out to our 32 students from Boulder County earlier today.
These are difficult times and there is much that we are called to do to create the type of community, country and world that reflects and honors our values of social justice and equity. I am especially appreciative of the opportunity to be in community with all of you as we grieve, heal, and create a better future.
Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President