To: The Old Westbury Campus Community
From: Timothy E. Sams
Date: November 22, 2022
RE: On the Colorado Shooting This Past Weekend
Dear Old Westbury Community,
I am disheartened by the news of the shooting in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Saturday, November 19 at Club Q that claimed the lives of 5 people and injured 25 others. I extend my condolences to the LGBTQ+ community shattered by this hate crime.
I find myself struggling to respond to yet another bias-motivated crime - this one occurring on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which occurs annually on Nov. 20 to honor victims of anti-trans violence. No matter the situation, hateful acts in the name of bias must be moments where we each pause and consider what we can do to make meaningful change.
I encourage our community members to remember the importance of remaining engaged. I urge you to reach out to legislators, hold them accountable and ask that they go beyond sending their thoughts and prayers to the communities when tragedy strikes but to request those same officials to seek justice and establish a zero-tolerance approach to crimes against our LGBTQ+ Community and ensure their safety across our country.
SUNY Old Westbury stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. As one of the country’s most diverse colleges, with an unwavering commitment to equity and social justice, we will continue to support the well-being of our students, while inspiring and supporting their activism and efforts to keep their families safe.
Together, we will make the world a better place.
I would also like to share with you some resources to help in coping with trauma and emotional distress that follow such tragic events. The LGBT Community Center, GLBT National Help Center, Pride for Youth, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides resources and guidelines on managing the aftermath of tragic events such as this.
I also encourage all members of our community to take advantage of mental health resources that are available to us. Students can reach out to our Office of Counseling and Psychological Wellness Services by phone at 516-876-3053 or by email counselingcenter@oldwestbury.edu. Faculty and staff can take advantage of resources available to them through the Employee Assistance Program by phone at 516-628-5604 or email eap@oldwestbury.edu.
Yours truly,
Dr. Tim Sams