An open letter from the UW School of Social Work leadership team regarding the deadly anti-Muslim attack in Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand
By now you have likely heard about the horrific mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand earlier today, which left 49 people dead and dozens of others wounded. The alleged perpetrator—a self-identified white supremacist—issued an anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant manifesto shortly before the massacre.
An attack on Muslims and immigrants half a world away is an attack on all of us, everywhere. Our School condemns, in the strongest possible terms, these unspeakable acts and the hate-filled ideology that fuels them.
Our thoughts are with the victims in Aotearoa/New Zealand and also with the Tangata Whenua (people of the land). As we mourn the victims of this violence and struggle to comprehend the immeasurable loss to their families and community, we are reminded, in the starkest and most painful terms, of why we do the work we do. And why it is so imperative that we continue this work.
Social work’s long-standing commitment to creating a more just and radically inclusive society in which all can flourish has never been more important. Together, we must do all we can to support communities in the face of fear, intolerance and violence.
- University and local mental health resources are available students who want support in dealing with this tragedy.
- Resources are also available to our faculty and staff through UW Carelink.
- Read UW President Ana Mari Cauce’s statement on the shooting here.
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