School of Nursing Statement on May 14 Mass Shooting in Buffalo

Dear UB School of Nursing Community,

We are all shocked and horrified by the senseless murder of ten and wounding of three members of the Buffalo community on Saturday. This heinous act of violence, which is under investigation as a racially motivated federal hate crime, has shattered so many lives, and the effects are far reaching.

As health care professionals, it is our duty to stand for justice and to fight racism at every turn. It is our duty and our calling to help defeat racism and racial injustice, as we all well know that racism is a public health crisis. We at the School of Nursing are wholeheartedly committed to taking deliberate steps to combat the hate that is engulfing our nation. Solidarity against hatred is our best weapon. Embrace your fellow nurses and lean on your personal support systems to process your grief and help heal the deep wounds in our community resulting from this heinous event.

We share our condolences and prayers with the victims and their families, friends and neighbors, and to everyone who has been touched and traumatized as a result of this senseless tragedy. As the City of Good Neighbors, we stand united and offer our support and love to everyone, especially the Black community, affected by this heartbreaking attack.

The University has many resources available if you need help, including Student Counseling Services and the Employee Assistance Program. The Intercultural and Diversity Center is available for support. You can also reach out to a faculty member or advisor.

We will continue to stand together to support one another and our beloved community members as we work to process our anger and grief.

With love, and in solidarity,

Marsha L. Lewis, Dean 
Amy Hequembourg, Assistant Dean for Diversity & Inclusion
Yu-Ping Chang, Senior Associate Dean
Sarah Goldthrite, Director of Communications