Dear campus community,
I write today to express sadness and pain over the recent shootings of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo by members of law enforcement near Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as the mass shooting in Indianapolis that killed eight people, several of whom are members of the Sikh community. The Indianapolis shooting comes only weeks after the Atlanta mass shootings which also impacted Asian Pacific Islander Desi American communities.
Intersecting with all of this is the trial of Derek Chauvin for the killing of George Floyd. For many, listening to the court proceedings has been a traumatic experience.
With alarming regularity, it seems, another community becomes the site of a mass shooting, hate incident or human tragedy. And still, with each occurrence, the emotional devastation is raw and painful—perhaps even more for communities who have been targets due to race, religion or ethnic background.
SJSU’s campus community shares in the pain, sadness and outrage of the horrific tragedies in Minneapolis, Chicago and Indianapolis. We stand with the victims’ families and communities to condemn these acts of hatred and violence.
The impact of these incidents are far reaching, challenging institutions such as ours to reflect on core values of diversity, inclusion, respect and understanding as we examine historical inequities and systemic violence.
SJSU has resources available for our students and for our employees should you or a fellow Spartan experience emotional distress or trauma.
For students:
If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance during our hours of operation, there is always a staff member available to assist you either on the phone or in person. Please call 408-924-5910 or visit us in the Student Wellness Center, Room 300B.
For after-hours emergencies, please call 911. If you live on campus, please call campus police at 408-924-2222. You may also call our main number 408-924-5910 after hours and press 4 to connect with the after-hours crisis service.
Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.
In addition, you may send a text for help: Text HOME to 741741. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365.
For employees:
Counseling for Faculty and Staff
Visit LifeMatters® online for more information. Password: SPARTANS
To speak to someone from LifeMatters® confidentially, call 800-367-7474.
Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.
In addition, you may send a text for help: Text HOME to 741741. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365.
During these difficult times, I am grateful to the many students, staff, faculty and administrators who support and advocate for each other.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary A. Papazian
President