Division News & Statements
Tragedy at Chabad of Poway
April 28, 2019
Dear Campus Community:
In the last year, we have issued university statements all too many times alarmed by unnecessary violence and condemning the hate that perpetrated it. All too tragically our attention is now brought to the Chabad of Poway temple in San Diego where anti-Semitic violence disrupted the holiest of observances during Passover services.
Our heartfelt condolences are shared with all those impacted. And, in fact, we all should feel impacted by the senseless harm driven by bigotry that continues to infiltrate places of worship and learning across our country.
Many have asked why we continue to address these moments. As leaders at Grand Valley State University, we believe our community has the responsibility to speak out against efforts that attempt to divide or target people based on identity. We will always condemn these acts as reprehensible and contrary to the values of our campus and our nation. We will continue to unapologetically educate to interrupt intolerance and address hate when it shows up as acts of intimidation and violence. This requires that we bring our attention to, not only those who have been impacted by hate-filled violence, but also do our part to eradicate ant-Semitism and other forms of hate in all of its forms.
As always, the well-being of our campus community is our top priority. The University Counseling Center offers support for students experiencing overwhelming emotions following a tragic event. Please reach out to the UCC at (616) 331-3266 for services, and the Human Resources Office provides a number of resources for employees. Campus Interfaith Resources in the Division of Inclusion and Equity is also available for support. Coordinator Kevin McIntosh can be reached by phone at (616) 331-3207 or by email at [email protected].
Very respectfully,
Thomas J. Haas, President
Jesse M. Bernal, Vice President for Inclusion and Equity