On behalf of the entire University at Buffalo community, my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of the shooting victims at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. As well, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the victims’ extended family among our Jewish students, faculty, staff and community members. Our hearts are very much with you as we mourn—along with the nation and world—this terrible and senseless loss.
Bigotry, racism, intolerance and discrimination have no place on our campus or in our society. As a campus community, we must denounce such vile sentiments and actions in the most unambiguous terms.
Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, know that there are campus resources available to you if you are struggling through this tragedy. These include University Counseling Services and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
As I have always said, UB’s shared values of inclusiveness, diversity and mutual respect for all form the bedrock of our university. Today, and every day, tolerance, acceptance, compassion and generosity of spirit must be cherished and upheld. As president of the University at Buffalo, I pledge to uphold these values in the strongest of terms. I encourage our entire university community to stand with me in solidarity to reaffirm these values, and in support of the victims of this unconscionable crime – and all hate crimes.
Satish K. Tripathi
UB President
