On behalf of the entire SUNY Oswego community, I am writing to express our deepest sorrow to all those affected by the targeted acts of hate and murder in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday. Innocent victims in the Muslim community there suffered horrifying violence and loss in their place of worship during a time of devotion and prayer. We stand with them in sincerest sympathy and support as we also stand in solidarity with the good people of New Zealand who have resolved to pursue justice for all the victims, survivors and families.

We must always strive to truly connect to human anguish and suffering, never losing our ability to feel their devastating impact and firmly resolve to stay steadfast in our tireless pursuit for a more just, respectful and inclusive society. The nature of these vicious and dehumanizing actions lays bare the perpetrator's hate-filled motives of deliberate oppression and genocide. We strongly condemn these and all despicable acts that continue to shake our communities across the nation and around the world.

I ask you to please reach out to our members of Muslim faith, and to Muslims everywhere, to offer comfort and dispel fear. They are not alone. Each of us has the power to decry hate, embrace diversity and better insure a culture of respect for all.

Deborah F. Stanley
President