Statement Following February Shooting
Dear Community,
Last night we experienced a familiar tragedy. While the details are, at present, still unavailable, it has become clear that we have lost a member of the community and that several more have been injured. We collectively mourn this death today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to the entire community. Today we are each exposed to fresh trauma, old wounds becoming raw again for Blacksburg. It is clear by virtue that this is still staggeringly common that the solutions we have tried are insufficient and our commitment to solving this problem has not been enough.
Out of respect for the victims and community we urge people to avoid spreading misinformation and instead focus on grieving and supporting one another. It is challenging in these moments to not feel powerless, but in the wake of this tragedy we desperately need to prioritize coming together and feeling this grief collectively. The pandemic has fostered feelings of deep isolation that can make this challenging, but nonetheless we must check-in with and support one another. The Graduate and Professional Student Senate has an open line of communication if you need to reach out to us, as we know every division of the university will in the weeks ahead. We will put mental health resources below for your consideration and we encourage you to utilize them.
Signed,
Jack R Leff, Amanda Burroughs, Emily M. Burns, Alice Fox, Anusha Prasad, Ariel R. Heminger, Phil Miskovic on behalf of the Graduate and Professional Student Body.
Support Services
Cook Counseling: 540-231-6557 | https://ucc.vt.edu/clinical_services_students.html
Cook Emergency Services: https://ucc.vt.edu/clinical_services_students/emergency_services.html
GPSS Executive Board: gpss-exec-board-g@vt.edu
Graduate School: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/contactus.html
Dean of Students Office: 540-231-3787 | Email: dean.students@vt.edu | Email: vpsa@vt.edu
Hokie Wellness: 540-231-2233 | Email: hokiewellness@vt.edu