Greetings campus community,
It is with deep sorrow that I write to you during this Lunar New Year after learning the news of a mass shooting in Monterey Park, California in a neighborhood in which a majority of first-generation Asian Americans and Asian immigrants reside.
My heart is heavy for the students, faculty and staff who are from Southern California, have families and friends in the area and are connected to communities there. Know that we are here for you.
Many members of our Spartan community are celebrating today, welcoming the Year of the Rabbit and Cat. The Lunar New Year represents reunion and rebirth and a time for individuals to come together with their friends and families. This mass shooting undoubtedly impacts our SJSU community during what should be a time of celebration, yet we are left feeling heartbroken for families and communities and exhausted by the gun violence that plagues our country.
Even though these incidents have happened in another part of our state, we recognize the direct impact that they have, and the frustration and fear they can evoke in each of us. Our shared commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging continue to be our guideposts through challenging moments like this. We will take care of one another.
For anyone feeling the impacts of this incident we have resources to help those who may need them (see lists below). We also offer a Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) that takes referrals regarding campus community members who may need assistance in terms of mental health support. BIT can consult or can reach out to individuals to provide support. Call 408-924-6339 or use this non-emergency referral form.
Additionally, the following campus organizations and staff can provide support and connection to campus and community resources:
- The Center for Asian Pacific Student Empowerment (CAPISE) and Program Director, Jinni Pradhan, [email protected]
- Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association (APIFSA), employee affinity group, Chair, Bonnie Sugiyama, [email protected]
- Mosaic Cross Cultural Center and Director, Christopher Yang, [email protected]
- Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) and Interim Deputy Diversity Officer, Patience Bryant, [email protected]
Please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. Our community’s well-being is of utmost importance to me, and we are here to support one another.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President
(She/Her/Ella)
For Students:
If you have a mental health emergency and need immediate assistance please contact Counseling and Psychological Services. There is always a staff member available to assist you. Please call 408-924-5910 or visit us at sjsu.edu/wellness. All of our services are being offered either in person or online through confidential video or phone sessions.
For after-hours emergencies, please call 911. If you live on campus, please call campus police at 408-924-2222. You may also call our main number 408-924-5910 after hours and press 4 to connect with our after-hours crisis service.
For Employees:
Visit LifeMatters® for more information. Password: SPARTANS
To speak with someone from LifeMatters® confidentially, call 800-367-7474.
