A senseless act of gun violence has claimed 49 innocent lives and injured 53 in Orlando, Florida on June 12. We grieve collectively for them and the friends and family who loved them. The largest mass shooting in American history was specifically targeted at the LGBTQ community. The complex, multi-layered issues surrounding this act are some of the very matters that our profession is immersed in--tolerance, diversity, violence, mental illness, terrorism, gay rights, social justice, trauma, oppression and domestic abuse. It is a revolting reminder not only to us as social workers, but to society as a whole, that the struggle for social justice and human rights is ongoing. Collectively our task is to keep working for creating safer, more tolerant communities. As social workers we stand up to violence and bigotry when we see it in action. This is our immediate call. We are united in walking this walk.
Our thoughts and prayers for peace are with everyone in Florida and across the nation.
As a mark of respect for the victims of hatred and terror perpetrated in Orlando, the flags at Stony Brook University will fly at half staff until sunset on June 16.
Jacqueline B. Mondros, D.S.W.
Dean and Assistant Vice President for Social Determinants of Health
Stony Brook University
School of Social Welfare
