Honoring the victims of the attacks in Orlando

To the SF State Community,

Today, we stand in mourning and in solidarity with the people of Orlando, who endured a tragic attack on their city over the weekend. Our thoughts are with the families of those who died or were wounded in this senseless attack. In our thoughts, too, are members of the LGBT community in Orlando, around the country and around the world who may be feeling the reverberations of this violence most intensely.

As a university community, we must stand up and honor those whose lives have been lost and reaffirm our support of our LGBT family, friends and colleagues. We are a campus with a long history of scholarship, support and advocacy around lesbian, gay, queer and transgender issues.

Even though the campus is quiet, we have an opportunity show our solidarity and support in a very visible way. I invite you to join the SF State contingent on June 26 to march in the San Francisco Pride Parade. See the Dean of Students registration page to let us know you’ll be with us.

For students, faculty and staff who may need support during this time, the Counseling Psychological Service Center (CPSC) is offering emergency/same day/no appointment individual and group counseling sessions (http://psyservs.sfsu.edu). Please take care and reach out if you need support.

To show our respect for the victims of this hateful attack, President Obama has authorized the flying of our flags at half-mast until sunset June 16th. We are proud to do so to honor and remember those who lost their lives on Sunday.

Les Wong
President
San Francisco State University