Statement to the Honors College Community

Posted by Tim on May 16, 2022 in Uncategorized

Dear Honors Scholars, 

The Honors College is both saddened and outraged by the mass shooting at the Tops Market on Saturday. While an attack on any in our community is an attack on us all, we recognize that the specific targeting of the Black community makes this event particularly traumatic for our students and neighbors of color. 

We encourage all students who have been affected to utilize the many resources UB offers, including UB’s Counseling Services. Please reach out to us if you would like guidance on these resources. 

The Honors College is an intellectual community dedicated to producing engaged leaders who will make the world a better place. The hateful and racist ideology embraced by the shooter is antithetical to all that we stand for and believe in. As President Tripathi stated, it is our obligation to combat hate. So, as we begin to heal, let us also reflect on how we can contribute to making this a more just world, where we all can pursue our lives in safety and free from fear. 

Statements of principles are only a first step. We believe that we have an important role to play in the work that needs to be done as we strive toward a more equitable and anti-racist society. 

On behalf of the Honors College staff,

Patrick F. McDevitt