Campus community responds to tragic school shooting in Oxford
Photo courtesy of The Associated Press
A photo of the outside view of Oxford High School taken Tuesday following the tragic shooting that killed four students and left seven others injured.
Members of OU’s campus community have responded with an outpouring of support for those that were impacted by the unspeakable tragedy that took place yesterday at Oxford High School.
President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz released the following statement in support of the community early this morning.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of those who lost their lives in the horrific shooting at Oxford High School. We will continue to hope for a full recovery for the students and teacher who were injured.”
President of OU’s Chapter of the American Association of University Professors and Professor of History Karen Miller released this statement last night.
“We are all deeply alarmed by the incidents at Oxford High School today. Those impacted are our family, our neighbors, members of our community. They are grieving today, even if they have not experienced a personal loss. If you know someone who was affected, I encourage you to reach out with human kindness. I’m sure your students or colleagues who have friends and relatives at Oxford High would appreciate words of comfort. Take care, hug your loved ones tonight.”
Student Body President and Oxford High School graduate Andrew Romano shared his support and perspective about the tragedy last night.
“To all in the University Community,
First and foremost, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of the students, teachers, staff, families and community members affected by the horrific shooting at Oxford High School. We stand with the Oxford community. No one should feel unsafe while they are trying to pursue an education.
As a member of the Oxford Community, I can say it has been a tough day for our small town. To my fellow Oxford Alumni and other OU students who are impacted by this tragedy, I encourage you to take care of your mental health. Keep in mind that at an already stressful time of the semester, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. If you need to talk with someone, please contact the campus counseling center. Free sessions are available this year and they can be contacted at (248) 370-3465.
For much of our lives as students, we have been conscious of the ever-present threat of gun violence in our schools. Every year, we hear of gun violence in a school somewhere in the United States, and every year, we hope that we never have to experience that violence in our own community. Unfortunately, some in our community are hurting today, and for many of us, this is the first time we have been faced with this chilling reality. The unimaginable devastation caused today will not soon be forgotten.”
Thoughts and prayers have their place, but they are not going to end the public health crisis of gun violence. Please allow everyone time to process what has transpired before engaging in the necessary conversations surrounding gun control.”
The OU Police Department put out their statement last night in support of the victims and first responders.
“Thinking about all those impacted by the senseless violence that occurred today at Oxford High School. We are thinking about all those whose lives were forever changed & for those first responders who responded to the call of duty and provided safety, support, and care to everyone.”
The OU AAUP faculty union followed up today on social media with additional resources for students who have been affected by the tragedy.
“Many of our faculty have expressed concerns about their students who, already struggling this semester, are now dealing with yesterday’s violence and its aftermath. We are gathering resources from faculty and students so our members have them on hand both for themselves and for their students. The last two links on the list are geared specifically towards faculty/teachers/parents and offer guidance in dealing with students. We’ll continue to share more resources as they come to our attention.
https://oakland.edu/counseling/sehs-cc/
https://wxyz.com/…/managing-mental-health-here-is-a…
https://schoolcounselor.org/…/After-a-School-Shooting
https://www.nctsn.org/…/terro…/school-shooting-resources”
Students struggling are encouraged to reach out and seek support in the community. The Oakland University Counseling Center (OUCC) is offering free sessions to students this year.
Gerald O. • Dec 2, 2021 at 9:38 AM
The public health crisis is NOT gun violence. It is lack of appropriate care and treatment options for the violently mentally ill, coupled with the refusal of our government to place public safety as a priority over the inconvenience of empowering authorities with the tools they need to adequately enforce current laws efficiently.
Specifically, the use of the national mental health database is prohibited. Use of state ID systems to flag those who are prohibited from possessing firearms is prohibited, despite using it to flag people who are medically barred from driving.
It is true that these measures would not stop things like this from happening. But it would certainly decrease them and make them more difficult. And it should also be remembered that the issue is not gun violence because guns are not the only things used in these horrific incidents. Knives are used in many of these violent attacks, and as was the case in Oklahoma City, explosives were the tool used. Calling the problem gun violence is inaccurate, and therefore contributes to the problem. It also does a disservice to the memories of those lost to these tragedies. The only commonality to all of these events is that they were perpetrated by actively dangerous mentally ill individuals.
It is time for us as a society to question whether we should be allowing dangerously mentally ill individuals to walk the streets untreated and unsupervised. Because THAT is the true public health crisis.
Faculty • Dec 2, 2021 at 12:34 PM
Sir, this is an Arby’s.
Oakland county resident • Dec 2, 2021 at 6:25 PM
Sir – You’re gross.
Anon • Dec 2, 2021 at 11:25 PM
They haven’t even been dead for a week. No one wants pro-gun equivocation from the peanut gallery. Seriously. STFU.