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Mass Shootings Continue to Take the Lives of Children and Other Innocents

By Office of Communications & Marketing | May 25, 2022

A week ago, I wrote to you about the mass shooting in Buffalo that claimed the lives of ten innocent people murdered at the hands of a shooter driven by racist ideologies.

Ten days later, our nation has again witnessed another mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Yesterday, 19 middle school children and two teachers died; numerous others were injured. This shooting echoes the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Connecticut ten years ago, where 20 children and six adults were killed at the hands of a troubled young man who also used weapons of war.

Children should not die in their schools. Likewise, grandparents should not die in supermarkets, and worshippers should not die in churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples. We share the deep sorrow, pain, and anger that each family must now endure. The lives of their loved ones are lost; their bright futures extinguished just as they were beginning to shine. These families are devastated. We grieve as a nation because of these senseless acts.

At its core, firearm violence is an urgent public health emergency. Period, full stop!

Common sense gun laws may not completely prevent these acts. However, stricter gun regulations such as robust background checks, “red flag” laws, and sensible age limits on who can purchase certain firearms can help ensure that those who should not have guns are less likely to obtain them, which will make all of us safer.

While we stand in solidarity and prayer with every family and community affected by these horrific acts, we should also stand in outrage that these mass shootings continue to proliferate in this nation—and unlike anywhere else in the world. This year alone, we have surpassed 200 mass shootings in the United States (Gun Violence Archive). Yesterday’s tragedy is the 27th school shooting since the year began; we are only at the halfway point. Enough is enough.

The Downstate community echoes President Biden’s words that “it’s time to turn this fear into action.” The SUNY System stands in support of the Uvalde community, and reassures SUNY students, faculty, and staff that “every effort is being made to protect and support them as they pursue their dreams and go about their lives on our campuses.”

Change must happen. We must protect all families and our loved ones from those who use guns to make statements. Lawmakers must find the courage to make the right choices to help keep us—and particularly our children—safe. We must continue to make our voices heard. The killing must stop!

If you are an employee and are having difficulty and would like additional support resources, you may contact the Employee Assistance Program at (718) 270-1489 or email Magda Alliancin, Ed.D. at magda.alliancin@downstate.edu. All calls and emails are kept confidential.

Students who are having difficulty and would like additional support may contact the Office of Student Affairs at (718) 270-2187; they can also email studentaffairs@downstate.edu. In addition, the Student Counseling Center, reachable by email at counseling@downstate.edu, is also available for confidential support.

If you feel unsafe, DO immediately call University Police at X2626 or 911 if there are any safety threats to you or other members of our campus community.