Message from Associate Provost C. James McKnight on Colorado Shooting
| Dear GMS Community,
Graduate Medical Sciences and the Community Catalyst Center stand with our LGBTQIA+ community following the horrific attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Saturday. We are committed to creating and supporting safe and affirming spaces for all students, faculty and staff at GMS and beyond. We recognize that this tragedy may have a significant impact on our community’s mental health and wellbeing. Please click here for an extensive list of LGBTQ+ resources, both on-campus and off-campus, curated by the Boston University Queer Activist Collective. In addition, the Community Catalyst Center offers a gPLUS affinity group that seeks to promote a deeper sense of belonging among LGBTQIA+ students across GMS programs. Visit gPLUS to learn more about the group and access our list of resources and peer mentors. Student Health Services will also offer two support groups in support of individuals processing feelings of fear, grief and anger: an LGBTQ+ Support Group this evening (Tuesday, Nov. 22), from 5 to 6 p.m. and a World News Support Group on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 6 p.m., both over Zoom. Click here to learn how to attend. If you are in need of individual support, you can book an appointment with Behavioral Medicine through Patient Connect or call 617-353-3569 to speak with a clinician in urgent matters. Please see below for a statement from Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion Angelique C. Harris, PhD. Sincerely, C. James McKnight, PhD |
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As many of you, I am heartbroken by the horrific attack that took place at Club Q in Colorado Springs, CO. It is especially upsetting as it took place hours before the Transgender Day of Remembrance. One of over 600 mass shootings to have taken place in the U.S. so far this year, it vital that we recognize the impact that mass shootings and acts of violence have on our communities, particularly those that face continued social and structural marginalization such as LGBTQ+ groups. Throughout the nation there have been increasing attacks on LGBTQ+ communities, including the continued murders of trans women of color and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. In addition to strongly condemning the violence that took place as well as the continued attacks on LGBTQ+ communities, I want to ensure that our campus community members are aware of the many BU-specific institutional resources that provide information, community, and support mental health, including resources specific to the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Angelique C. Harris, PhD |