Dear Members of the York University Community,
On behalf of all of us at York University, we offer our heartfelt support and sympathy to all those affected by Sunday’s mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the worst in U.S. history. As a university community resolutely committed to, and guided by, our values of inclusivity, respect and diversity, we condemn unequivocally this act of hatred and intolerance, and any attempt to divide us or to threaten our freedoms or our right to live without fear of discrimination, harassment or harm.
We acknowledge the collective response of first responders and bystanders, whose actions saved countless lives early Sunday morning, and our thoughts are with all those who were injured or who lost loved ones. Should you need support or wish to speak with someone, please contact York’s Counselling Services.
We stand with the LGBTQ community in Orlando, on our campuses, and around the globe. As an expression of our collective support for and solidarity with all those impacted, the flags at our Keele and Glendon campuses have been lowered to half-mast.
Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor
Rhonda Lenton, vice-president academic and provost
Gary Brewer, vice-president finance and administration