Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff:
As you know, an incident occurred on our campus on Saturday, March 16 where an active shooter response was engaged campus-wide as a result of information received by the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS).
Multiple events were occurring across campus on Saturday, including a vigil to honor Muslim victims killed by a white supremacist in New Zealand the day before.
First and foremost, my heart goes out to the affected students, faculty and staff, as well as the impacted community on campus. Although I am extremely grateful that there was no active threat of violence on our campus, the experience, terror and trauma for those involved was real. As a result of the recent events that have transpired internationally, this experience hit close to home for many, only to amplify the fears of those already coping with a painful and challenging situation.
DPSS, in collaboration with Student Life, Public Affairs, President’s Office, and many other units across campus have met, and continue to meet with affected students, faculty and staff to ensure their well-being and safety moving forward. Today, there is an event sponsored by graduate students: Stronger Together: Discussing the Active Shooting Scare at 5 p.m. in the School of Education’s Prechter Lab. There is also a Town Hall sponsored by Central Student Government on Wednesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m., Michigan League Ballroom.
Additionally, counseling and supportive services continue to offer support to anyone affected by this incident. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support to your mentors or to counseling services: (734) 764-8312. Also consider this CAPS page: Coping with Incidents of Hate and Bias.
As we reflect on this event, I would like to shine light on our campus community that has, and continues to come together and support one another.
Please know the President, myself, and the entire University of Michigan community is committed to ensuring the safety of all students, faculty and staff. Together, we will continue to learn and heal from this experience.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert M. Sellers
Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer