May 16, 2022

Dear Drexel Students and Colleagues,

Like all of you, I was angered and horrified by Saturday’s deadly, racist mass shooting at a Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, NY. I extend the sympathies of our entire Drexel community to friends and loved ones of the 10 people murdered, to the wounded, and to everyone traumatized by the attack, including survivors on the scene.

As saddened, angry, and alarmed as many of us feel whenever innocent people are murdered because of the color of their skin or other indelible characteristics, including religion, ethnicity, language, gender, and sexual identity, we cannot give into despair. As a community of scholars and civically minded citizens, we have the capacity and responsibility to come up with ways for building a culture at Drexel that resists and fights racism, white supremacy, and hate in all its forms.

While surrendering to hate is not an option, getting help and support for the anxiety, anguish, or anger that so many among us are feeling during these very trying times is an option. Drexel University offers excellent counseling and mental-health services on demand. To schedule an appointment with a counselor, students can call 215.895.1415 or email counsel@drexel.edu. Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color can also access drop-in counseling services and other support offered by our Counseling Center. Faculty, professional staff and graduate students can connect with a live SupportLinc representative by calling 1.888.881.5462.

Please take care of yourselves and one another.

In community,

John Fry
President