Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community,

We are outraged by another traumatic act of hate and violence by a racist–this time at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY. We offer our sympathy for the victims and their families and friends, and in doing so, we recognize words of sympathy can feel hollow due to the unjust and evil nature of this act. We stand in solidarity with those who have been fighting against the heinous racial violence that has plagued our country for centuries.

We join others in calling upon ourselves and our communities, our state, and our nation to confront discrimination and violence against any individual or group. We must acknowledge and talk openly about the racism that continues to afflict our nation and, most critically, we must take meaningful action to eradicate the seeds of hatred that give life to violence and oppression.

This action is underway on our campus through the scholarly pursuits and advocacy of our dedicated faculty and staff, the Triandiflou Institute, our Grand Challenges focus, and in conversations among and within many populations on campus. I encourage us to come together in our efforts and face this challenge with renewed vigor, to work to bring an end to the tyranny of white supremacy, and to uphold the intrinsic values of humanity every day.

Resources are available at SUNY Oswego for anyone having difficulty as a result of this weekend’s racist and violent act. 

• For Students, 

• The Office of the Dean of Students is available to provide support in any way possible. If you would like to meet with someone from the Office of the Dean of Students please email deanofstudents@oswego.edu or call 315-312-5483 to schedule an appointment. 

• To connect with campus and community resources, visit Oz Concern Navigator. 

• Self-help resources

• Counseling Services: 315-312-4416, 150 Mary Walker, due to limited summer staffing, eligible students should call ahead for same day appointment access, Monday through Friday, 9AM-3PM; After-hours crisis may be accessed by calling 315-312-4416 and choosing option 2; Counseling staff are also available to provide off-campus referrals

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

• Crisis Textline: Send GOT5U to 741-741

• For Faculty and Staff, we encourage use of the State of NY Employee Assistance Program

In solidarity,

Mary C. Toale, Ed.D.
Officer in Charge