Tragedies in Texas, Buffalo, Laguna Woods

5/25/2022

Dear Eagles,

Twenty-one people – 19 of them children – were murdered yesterday. Their promising lives ended by a gunman who barged into their school and opened fire. Three other children are in critical condition. We pray for their recovery. We pray for those who were senselessly murdered.

As I write this message, we are a day away from celebrating our graduates. The students and staff at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas were also days away from the last day of their school year. This shooting at a school follows others, which authorities are calling hate crimes: one at a hair salon in Dallas, Texas; another at a church in Laguna Woods; and yet another at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.

I am sending this message today because I know tragedies like this affect all of us in the nation and in the increasingly smaller world. These shootings cause me so much grief and I imagine you are affected, too. Please be sure to check in on each other and to refer students to the Student Health Centers if they are in need of mental health support. Remember that employees can access our Behavioral Health benefits to find a counselor.

At MSJC, we are updating our emergency preparedness plans. We will be conducting tests of our systems and holding drills so we can practice in the event of emergencies, from natural disasters to gun violence. We will keep you informed of the drills and progress so you can participate and learn to keep yourself and our students as safe as possible.

As a community college, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion should educate our populations and help reduce the hatred that leads to tragedies.

My heart goes out to the victims in Uvalde, Dallas, Buffalo and Laguna Woods and their families. Their scars – physical and emotional – will never go away. We can at least do our part by supporting them through donations offered by trusted sources. Sending cards or letters of support may also help show your support:

Robb Elementary School - 715 Old Carrizo Rd, Uvalde, TX 78801

Geneva Presbyterian Church - 24301 El Toro Rd, Laguna Woods, CA 92637

TOPS Friendly Markets - 1275 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208

Hair World Salon - 2216 Royal Ln #111, Dallas, TX 75229

Sincerely,
Roger

Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz