Statement regarding violence week of Oct. 22
Dear Colleagues,
Please find below an important message from President Schlissel and the University Board of Regents regarding the senseless acts of violence that occurred yesterday in Pennsylvania.
We join those grieving in Pittsburgh, as well as Jeffersontown, Kentucky and across the nation for the lives cut short or tragically altered by these horrendous acts. We are all diminished by these tragic acts.
Make no mistake, violence and ideologies driven by hatred, racism, bigotry, and racial, religious and ethnic supremacy, have no place at UM-Dearborn or society in general and are contrary to the standards of our campus community. We reject these pernicious perspectives not only because they are offensive, but because they promote doctrine based on false premises and untruths.
I am proud that UM-Dearborn is distinguished as an inclusive, welcoming and nurturing community where we are vested in each other’s success. We must redouble our efforts to serve as the shining beacon of all that is good and just in America.
Students that need assistance during this difficult time can receive support through Counseling Services, 313-593-5430. Faculty and staff may seek support through the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office, 734-936-8660.
It is essential that we stand together against hate, and we unite in assisting and supporting those who are grieving in our community. Compassion and respect for others are foundational values of our university and they will not be compromised.
Domenico Grasso
Chancellor
A statement from the University of Michigan Board of Regents and President Mark Schlissel on the violence in Pittsburgh
October 27, 2018
We are shocked and saddened by the senseless killings in Pittsburgh today at the Tree of Life Congregation. On behalf of the entire university community, we express our sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of this horrendous anti-Semitic act. At least 11 innocent people have been killed, and six others have been injured.
There is simply no place in our society for violence, and violent acts motivated by religion and other identities — like this attack on a Jewish community in Pittsburgh – are despicable. We are grateful to the first responders and others who bravely came to the aid of those who were targeted.
Our university has been collaborating with Hillel to offer support to Jewish students, from the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
A heinous act such as this affects all of us, however. Resources are available to all of our students through CAPS, the university’s counseling and psychological services, at 734-764-8312. Faculty and staff can receive support through the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office, 734-936-8660.
Hillel is planning a community-wide vigil at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, on the Diag. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come to the vigil.
Jewish student leaders have expressed sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support they have received from students across campus.
It is important to stand together against hate, and to unite in assisting those who are grieving in our community. Tolerance and respect for others are foundational values of our university and they will not be compromised.