Message from the Dean

Dear students, faculty colleagues, staff colleagues and friends:

This weekend, a mass shooting in Buffalo, NY resulted in the death of ten persons and injury to three more. This violence was directed at the Black community in Buffalo, and the victims are overwhelmingly Black. The shooting took place a mere 90 minutes from our campus. On behalf of the Faculty of Community Services, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and friends. We feel your pain.

There are no words to describe this tragedy, and words alone have no impact on the consequences of this violence. And yet, this violence has deep impacts. It confirms for all members of Black communities the racism and hatred still ever-present in our society. It ensures fear and a lack of security for all members of Black communities. It reinforces the need to remain vigilant and to take action against anti-Black racism, individually and collectively.

Today is a day to acknowledge what has happened, and to share the grief and pain that results from this. It is a day to check in with our colleagues and friends, to become present and to offer care. The pain, the fear, and the anger are real. Beyond today, we must take actions to make change. This is our responsibility as a faculty, and every faculty member, staff person and student holds this responsibility individually and we all hold it collectively.

In deep embrace and in solidarity with Black communities everywhere,

Kiaras Gharabaghi
Dean, Faculty of Community Services