Condolences to the Muslim Community, Campus Support Offered

In response to reports that at least one gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 40 at two New Zealand mosques today, San Diego State University Chief Diversity Officer J. Luke Wood released the following statement to the campus community.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

On behalf of San Diego State University, I offer sincere condolences to the Muslim community. Today, an Islamic holy day, news reports indicate that at least one gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers at two New Zealand mosques in the country's worst ever mass shooting. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated that this act is a terrorist attack, describing it as one of the country’s "darkest days."

We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities on our own campus, across the United States and around the world, and condemn all acts of racism and terrorism.  

At SDSU, we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that values, honors and respects all members of our university community. We affirm our commitment to developing the next generation of global citizens, compassionate leaders and ethical innovators who respect and value all individuals, cultures and religions. Also, we are reminded that our words and actions carry great weight. Each of us holds a personal responsibility, through our shared humanity, to work toward building a world that is free from discrimination, harassment and violence against people based on their identities or characteristics.

Our immediate priority is ensuring our community has appropriate levels of support. We encourage students, faculty and staff to access and share the following resources:

• Students can reach professionals at Counseling and Psychological Services by calling 619-594-5220 or emailing [email protected].
• For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program offers confidential emotional support. Resources and tools are available online at www.mylifevalues.com or by calling 1-800-342-8111. 

We acknowledge and affirm the value of our campus community's diversity in race, ethnicity, language, culture, social class, national origin, religious and political belief, age, ability, gender, gender identity and expression and also sexual orientation.

With compassion and care,

J. Luke Wood

Associate Vice President for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer