PHOTO: Office of the President banner for President Ira K. Blake. Photo courtesy of UHCL Office of Communication. — Office of the President banner for President Ira K. Blake. Photo courtesy of UHCL Office of Communication.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: Flags at half-staff to remember victims of Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting

By The Signal Last updated Oct 30, 2018 88 0

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Once again, we lower our nation’s flag to half-staff in remembrance of yet another tragic mass shooting – for the sixth time since October 2017. This time, we remember the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, slain for their faith.

These types of incidents try to unravel our American tapestry, leaving us sad, angry and numb. We must not let these tragedies divide us, nor allow public discourse to devolve into unresolvable differences. In advocating our Second Amendment rights, we must not forsake our First Amendment freedoms, the first of which is freedom of worship. For the sake of our republic, for all our futures, we must find a way to do better and be better.

I believe it starts with us. It starts with respecting each other’s differences within our own homes, neighborhoods and communities. It starts with us listening first, and having intentional dialogues to understand one another.

University leaders and campus officials aim to provide a safe and inclusive learning and working environment. On this campus, we are here to support every individual. If you have questions, concerns or would like to talk to someone, you may contact UHCL Counseling Services at 281-283-2580. Additional employee resources are located on the UTEAP website. For your reference, the UHCL Administrative Memorandum 02.01.34 Workplace Violence & Intimidation is available online.

Sincerely,

Ira K. Blake, Ph.D.
President

Also published on Medium.