Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community,

It is with deep sadness and profound sorrow that I share the news of another horrific act of violence that continues to plague our society. The SUNY Oswego community mourns the ten people killed and ten others injured in last night’s shooting at Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California – a predominantly Asian community.

SUNY Oswego condemns senseless acts of violence like this one and others experienced in our own community this week that resulted in the murders of innocent people. We share in the grief of victims’ families, the Monterey Park community, and the entire Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

As our university leaders and I have shared all too often before, these innocent lives must not be lost in vain. It is incumbent upon all of us to remain committed to positive change in the world by creating a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where all people thrive and experience acceptance and belonging.

Let us be compassionate of all others and let us always choose love over hate, and peace over violence.

Support for students is available in the Office of the Dean of Students and/or SUNY Oswego’s Counseling Services.

With Deep Sadness,

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