March 15, 2019
 

Dear Members of our Campus Community,

Last night many of us watched the prime minister’s press conference and learned of the violent attack on the Muslim community in New Zealand that took the lives of 49 people and left dozens injured. Early this morning details emerged about the attack that targeted two mosques in the city of Christchurch, killing men, women and children who had gathered for prayer services.

While this horrifying attack happened halfway around the world, its impact reverberates on our campus. Our hearts are heavy as we join with our Muslim community on campus and around the world in mourning this devastating loss of life. We condemn this act of terrorism.

At noon Monday, March 18, students, faculty and staff will gather at Storke Tower to stand in solidarity with the Muslims of New Zealand and also with our own community against hate. It will be an opportunity to show our support not only for the victims and loved ones affected by the tragic shootings in Christchurch, but also for those on our own campus who are impacted

We wish to express our care, concern, and support, and remind you of resources that may be of help. For students who would like psychological support, we encourage you to contact CAPS at (805) 893-4411 (after-hours consultation is available). For concerns about students in distress, please call (805) 893-3030 or visit http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/responding-to-distressed-students/welcome. Our Academic & Staff Assistance Program, located on the third floor of the Student Affairs & Administrative Services Building, is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be reached at (805) 893-3318. More information is available at https://www.hr.ucsb.edu/asap. Any community member can contact the Santa Barbara County helpline at 211 or (805) 899-0061. I hope you will reach out to those who are grieving or feel
unsafe to show them they are not alone.

UC Santa Barbara cares deeply for each and every one of our students and faculty and staff members. Our strength as a community and as Gauchos comes from our collective support of one another.

Sincerely,

Henry T. Yang
Chancellor