March 2019

Dear Colleagues,

As many of you have learned from the news by now, a horrific mass shooting at two mosques in New Zealand has left dozens of people dead. This loss of life is heartbreaking, and the overt display of white supremacist iconography by the alleged shooters is appalling and deeply troubling.

We write to you today to acknowledge how challenging and upsetting this event must be for so many of us today, especially those form the Muslim community, which was targeted in these attacks. We also have staff among us from New Zealand, for whom this news surely strikes close to their hearts.

We ask that we pull together as a community today to support those who may be struggling with processing this tragedy, no matter their identities. At UCAR, we strive to make our community a place where everyone feels welcome. We ask that today, and every day, we put forth the extra effort to check in on our colleagues.

We would also like to invite you to gather in community with us next week. We will hold two gatherings next Tuesday, March 19. The first will be held at the Mesa Lab in Damon room from 10-11 am and the second at FL2 in room 1003 from 11:30-12:30. We have contacted the local Muslim community to find out if there are ways we can support them and will be providing further information at these sessions.

And as always, please check in with your supervisor if you need accommodations during this time. Please also reach out to UCAR's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and/or UCAR's Employee Assistance Program if you need further support.

With our thoughts and support,

Carolyn, Kristen, and Katy