Message from Vice Chancellor and Dean: Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue

Dear Wolfpack Community,

During the weekend our country experienced another horrific act of violence and hatred as 11 people were killed and six others injured at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. On behalf of NC State, our deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims’ families, to members of our campus, and the local Jewish community who were affected by this senseless rampage.

This follows several other shootings in religious spaces over the past two years in which worshipers were killed in their churches, mosques, and synagogues. These buildings, which were once considered safe spaces, are now reeling from the effects of mass shootings.

The attack in Pittsburgh capped a week in which our country saw too many acts of hate and intolerance. Last Thursday, two elderly African American Kentuckians were murdered by a white supremacist while grocery shopping. Several prominent public figures, including current and former politicians, were sent pipe bombs through the mail. And just yesterday, in North Carolina, a student fatally shot a classmate during a fight before classes began in what police are describing as an escalation of bullying.

We know many in our campus community are affected by these events, and we have resources to help. If you need support or access to resources, our Counseling Center is available for students 24/7 and can be reached at 919.515.2423. Counselors are also available for faculty and staff by contacting the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. The FASAP is confidential and provided at no charge to faculty, staff, and their dependents. Access counseling services 24/7 through FASAP by calling 866.467.0467, or using online resources at www.guidanceresources.com (webID: fasap).

Challenging times like this remind us of the importance of not becoming complacent. As Chancellor Woodson has stated, it is critical that our campus community always be vigilant in upholding, defending and promoting our shared NC State values – and continually rejecting violence, bigotry, intolerance and hatred. It is all our responsibility to ensure and embrace a diverse, inclusive campus culture.

NC State’s strength comes from all its people, and from their diversity of thought and experience. As a Wolfpack, we are always stronger together.

With Peace for the Pack,

Mike Mullen
Vice Chancellor and Dean
Division of Academic and Student Affairs