May 17, 2022

Dear UD Community,

The horrific and racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, has left all of us feeling shock, grief, anger and even hopelessness at the senseless death and injury of people simply going to the grocery store on a Saturday afternoon. We strongly condemn the hatred and the anti-Black racist ideology that fueled this shooting. Our UD community mourns the 10 people who lost their lives, and we grieve with everyone affected by this despicable act of terror targeting Black people.

The list of communities and families torn apart by racism, violence and injustice is heartbreakingly long. It is critical, though, that we continue to speak out against hate, against violence, against extremism. We cannot be silent.

While this should be a time of celebrating the end of the academic year and, for some of us, graduation, instead we are recognizing the deep pain in this moment — especially for the Black members of our community. Please know that UD has wellbeing services and support to help:

• The Center for Counseling and Student Development is open and available remotely, and 24/7 mental health support remains available on the UD Helpline at 302-831-1001 for any student in need of someone to talk to.
• Faculty and staff members can access wellbeing services and support through ComPsych GuidanceResources and through Employee Health and Wellbeing.
• For additional community support and solidarity, please reach out to the Center for Black Culture, the African Heritage Caucus or the Office of Institutional Equity.

This latest tragedy makes evident yet again that we must stand together to oppose hate and to ensure that all members of our community are valued and safe. We call on every member of the University community to do this vital work with us.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis
President

Fatimah Conley
Vice President of Equity and Chief Diversity Officer