While its campuses are mostly quiet at the start of the summer, Penn State has resources available for students, faculty and staff who have been affected by the mass shooting in Buffalo on Saturday, May 14. The University community is grieving the senseless loss of 10 lives at the hands of a shooter fueled by hate and racism.
“We share anguish with so many others after a racist attack against the Black community — an attack that tragically took the lives of innocent people who were simply working or shopping on a Saturday afternoon,” said Damon Sims, Penn State’s vice president for Student Affairs. “Our concern goes to all members of the Penn State community who have been affected by this tragedy. Student Affairs is reaching out to students from the western New York area, and I encourage any who need our support and counsel to let us know so we can help.”
This horrific violent act was followed by yet another tragic shooting at a church serving the Taiwanese community Sunday in Laguna Woods, California. The University community is deeply saddened by the spread of violence fueled by hate. Disturbing acts of racist violence, like this attack, have no place in our world and Penn State stands with the Black and Taiwanese communities around the country.
“The spread of hate in this country is appalling, and it is literally taking the lives of innocent people every single day,” said Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity. “Our hearts are breaking, but this sadness must not be in vain. We all must come together to stop the spread of hate and racism in this country and put an end to violent attacks based on nonsensical hatred of a particular group of people.”
The following resources are available to members of the Penn State community who have been impacted by these tragedies:
FOR STUDENTS
Student Care and Advocacy
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare
814-863-2020
Counseling & Psychological Services
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling
Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.
Community and Belonging Resources
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/community-belonging
FOR ALL
The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), which are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses who have a question about someone else. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.
Penn State Crisis Line
1-877-229-6400 or text "LIONS" to 741741
Report Bias/Harassment: http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias
FOR EMPLOYEES
Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program, a free, confidential employee and family resource to be used as the first line of defense for personal or work-related concerns for employees and their families.
Affirmative Action Office: 814-863-0471
University Police and Public Safety: Call 814-863-1111 (non-emergency) and 911 (emergencies)