Administration

President Barron shares leadership message on El Paso and Dayton shootings

The flags outside Penn State's Old Main were flown at half-staff on the morning of Aug. 5. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

To the Penn State Community:

We reach out to you today with heavy hearts. Over the weekend, two mass shootings in America occurred just 13 hours apart, taking the lives of many innocent people and injuring more. To the communities of El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, — the sites of those tragic events — we offer hope for their healing. To the family and friends of those who lost their lives, we express our deepest condolences, and to those who were wounded, we wish them a quick recovery. For anyone at Penn State who may have family or friends that have been impacted by these tragedies, we offer our support and note that counseling is available.

These senseless acts of violence, which have become too frequent, are reprehensible and truly inexplicable. This violence without a doubt contradicts our belief in community and our acceptance of freedom, which are valued and treasured ideals. We know that horrific acts of violence — these and other recent events across our country — are unsettling, but we cannot let acts of senseless and random violence chip away at our collective feeling of security, safety and comfort.  

As part of the leadership team at Penn State, I would like to reaffirm that the safety of everyone in our campus community is always our highest priority. Those who feel they have been impacted by the recent events can seek support or counseling in the following ways:

Again, as we express our sadness and mourn the recent tragic losses in communities around the country, we ask that as a member of our campus community, you remain vigilant and proactive. If you “see something, say something.” 

Eric J. Barron
President

Last Updated August 5, 2019