It would be hard to get further from Eugene than Orlando and still be in the continental United States, and yet the events last weekend at a Florida nightclub have still touched the UO community.
The tragic deaths of 49 people have prompted renewed calls for tolerance and compassion, as well as reminders of the need to reach out in times of distress. Members of the university community recently spoke out about the attack.
A moment of silence was held at the start of the UO’s main commencement ceremony Monday. UO President Michael H. Schill commented on the Orlando incident in his remarks.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all who were affected by this unthinkable tragedy,” he said. “Hatred and bigotry have no place in our world. The best antidote to the type of intolerance that occurred in Orlando is education and the search for understanding and empathy.
“While a tragedy has occurred and affected us all, it is still important that we celebrate the achievements of our students today with unfettered joy. Otherwise, the forces of hate will win. We cannot allow that to happen.”
Robin Holmes, the university’s vice president for student life, also sent an email to students to let them know that help is available to those who need it.
“As we watch the events in Orlando unfold, let us not be defeated by hate,” she wrote. “As we watch and read about yet another mass shooting, let us not hold innocent people accountable for acts of an individual. And as we celebrate the academic achievements of this year’s graduating class … let us pause to remember, take time to grieve, and commit to doing all we can to not remain defeated.”
Interim UO Police Chief Pete Deshpande also posted a statement on the UOPD website stating that bias crimes or threatening conduct will never be acceptable or tolerated at the university.
The UO has resources available for those who need help processing the tragedy. For those who want to talk with someone about how they are feeling or seek other support, the University Counseling Center is open to Eugene students, and Portland students can use the Portland State University Student Health and Counseling Center.
For faculty and staff, the UO Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and support services to benefit-eligible employees during times of difficulty. The assistance program provides professional guidance for individuals coping with tragic or troubling circumstances.
The university’s assistance provider, Cascade Centers, has created a special webpage for people were affected by the shootings, which includes information about the Orlando Attack.