Statement Regarding the Mass Shooting in Austin, Texas (6/14/2021)

Dear Colleagues,

The latest horror of unbridled gun violence in our country has sadly hit close to home. It was with great sadness that we learned that a recent UM-Dearborn graduate, Doug Kantor, lost his life after being injured during the mass shooting that took place in Austin, Texas, over the past weekend. Doug celebrated receiving his MBA from UM-Dearborn on April 28, 2021, during our on-campus spring commencement ceremonies. He was a talented young professional and had a promising future in front of him. The premature and tragic death of Doug is a loss for our entire community. 

In response to the gun violence occurring throughout our country, the University of Michigan recently announced the Firearm Injury Prevention Research Initiative, which engages with experts across the U-M campuses, along with gathering input from nonacademic stakeholders, to generate knowledge, strategies and solutions to help decrease injuries and deaths from firearms. We hope that we can contain and begin to reverse this most pernicious and disturbing trend.

Students who need assistance during this difficult time can receive it through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Faculty and staff may seek support through the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO). 

We express our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the family of Doug Kantor and all the victims of the recent Austin shooting. 

With sadness, 

Domenico Grasso
Chancellor