Tragedy in Orlando

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We are horrified and deeply saddened by the tragedy in Orlando this past weekend, and its impact on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We condemn the violence that killed 49 people and injured 53 others at the LGBT dance-club Pulse on a Latinx night. UC San Diego responded with messages from our LGBT Resource Center, and hosted a gathering yesterday for our UC San Diego community. UC San Diego is home to many in the LGBT community, and our hearts and thoughts are with all affected by this tragedy.

It is important that we as a UC San Diego community provide space for those who are impacted, and especially those in the LGBT community. Students and those who support them are encouraged to access the resources at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), (858) 534-3755, 24 hours a day. Our faculty and staff struggling to make sense of this have the Faculty and Staff Assistance program (FSAP) available to them as well, with more information accessible at the FSAP website, (858) 534-5523. We encourage managers and supervisors to create supportive spaces, as many who are part of the LGBT community may be mourning in silence due to the stigma which still impacts our society regarding issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

For those who would like to donate to support the victims’ families as they continue to grieve, the Orlando LGBT Center has set up a fund at: gofundme.com. During this terrible time, we honor the process of healing and reflection. Together, in support of our LGBT community, we will get through this.

Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor

Suresh Subramani
Executive Vice Chancellor

David A. Brenner
Vice Chancellor—Health Sciences
Dean, School of Medicine

Margaret Leinen
Vice Chancellor—Marine Sciences
Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Sandra Brown
Vice Chancellor—Research

Juan C. Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor—Student Affairs

Gary C. Matthews
Vice Chancellor—Resource Management and Planning

Pierre Ouillet
Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer

Becky Petitt
Vice Chancellor—Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Bob Continetti
Chair, Academic Senate—San Diego Division

John C. Moore
Chair, Council of Provosts