Statement on Recent Events
Apr 19, 2021Dear BC Community,
The events of the past week have left our hearts heavy. It seemed as if each day we were met with additional disturbing news of another mass shooting and a life lost at the hands of law enforcement. It is challenging to know what words are adequate in these moments. It feels as if when we begin to recover from one tragedy, we are met with another.
We are in solidarity and support of our Sikh, Black, and Latino friends, colleagues, and family members who were particularly impacted by violence last week. Since the April 16 shootings in Atlanta there have been over 50 mass shootings all across our nation—including one in the Seattle area last week—claiming lives of all races, ethnicities, and ages.
Easy access to weapons, bigotry and hate, despair, inadequate police training and accountability, and so many other factors—all contribute to the mounting toll of lives in America.
More mass shootings and more fatal police shootings add to our own anger, anxiety, frustration, and despair. Whether these tragedies happen across the country or down the street, we all feel the impact as compassionate human beings. It is imperative we recognize that the trauma we are collectively experiencing also takes a disproportionate impact on some members of our community. Checking on one another, allowing for space to grieve and process, and to step back are all ways that we can be there for each other while COVID-19 continues to make in-person support challenging.
No one should struggle with the aftermath of this violence alone. If you need emotional support as a result of these and other stressors, please reach out for help. Below are some resources:
Bellevue College Resources
- Counseling Center: Counselors are trained mental health professionals who assist students with a wide variety of personal life challenges and concerns.
- Employee Assistance Program: Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455.
- Report a Concern: Report any concern in the Bellevue College community online, including worrying behaviors.
Community Connections
- Crisis Connections: 1-866-427-4747. The 24-Hour Crisis Line provides immediate help to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis. They can help you determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and they can link you to the appropriate services.
- King County Mental Health Services: 800-790-8049. King County provides publicly-funded mental health services to low-income people in need.
Thank you for in advance for extending kindness and compassion to others in these extremely challenging times.
Gary Locke
Interim President
&
President’s Cabinet