Dear all
I am writing to you about the terrible atrocity in Orlando, Florida.
I know that the entire University community is appalled by this horrific attack and its terrible consequences.
Our hearts go out to all the families and friends of the victims, to members of the LGBT communities worldwide and to the citizens of the United States of America.
Terrorism of any kind has no place in the world. Members of the LGBT community have so often been victims of hate crimes, and it is most important at this critical moment that all our students, colleagues, partners and friends stand together to support all the victims, their families and loved ones. Members of this University know just how devastating cruel acts of terror by a single gunman can be. It is just over 11 months ago that our student Joel Richards, aged just 19, was killed in Sousse, Tunisia by a lone gunman.
As well as our expressions of love and sympathy, active solidarity is needed.
A fund has been set up by Equality Florida to support the victims of the Pulse shooting and I urge colleagues and friends to make a donation, however large or small at:
https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund
On Thursday 16 June everyone is invited to observe a minute’s silence at 11am in an expression of solidarity, love and remembrance. We will gather by the flagpoles at the St. John’s Campus, which will enable colleagues and guests attending the Learning and Teaching conference to take part.
This will also be an opportunity to express our profound appreciation for the heroism of the many who acted so bravely to ensure that there were not even more casualties:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36526028
Any colleague, student, member of staff or member of the University community who would like to consult with the University’s expert counsellors is invited to contact Firstpoint to arrange an appointment at the earliest opportunity.
I am sure I speak for us all when I say on behalf of the University to all our friends in Florida and the USA and to members of the LGBT Community in particular:
We Are With You: Together We Will Overcome.
Yours in sadness
Professor David Green
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive
University of Worcester
firstpoint 