Dear Chapman community,
These past weeks have been heartbreaking. Learning of the mass shooting against LGBTQ+ persons at Club Q in Colorado Springs brings forth anger and fear as we continue to face domestic terrorism and violence in our collective life. This news came on the heels of the murders of university students that shook many of us for their sheer brutality at both the University of Virginia and the University of Idaho, sadly followed by further shootings in Chesapeake, VA. We invite you to take a moment to pause and remember, grieve together, and ground ourselves for the work ahead toward peace, antibias and antiviolence. Please join us for an opportunity to gather with one another as we remember our siblings across the country in the face of recent violent tragedies.
Taking Care of Community: Gathering in Solidarity in the Face of Violence
Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Wallace All Faiths Chapel, Fish Interfaith Center
This is but one opportunity for gathering in community, yet we recognize that a series of experiences over a period of time will be important to some in our community as we face these hateful tragedies. If you would like to gather for further conversation or action with your community and we can assist, please do not hesitate to reach out to the following resources:
- Offices of the Fish Interfaith Center, interfaith@chapman.edu
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, dei@chapman.edu
- Student Psychological Counseling Services, atedford@chapman.edu
- Resources for LGBQTIA+ Students, Chapman Queer Pages
The DEI office acknowledges that the work of diversity, equity and inclusion is both shield and armor, but it is not impenetrable. We can be hurt. Today hurts, tomorrow will too. But in DEI we let our wounds heal and we resume our post. We have work yet to do.
Rev. Gail Stearns, Ph.D.
The Irvin C. and Edy Chapman Dean
Wallace All Faiths Chapel
Reg Chhen Stewart, Ph.D.
Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion