Statement of Cal Poly Pomona President Soraya M. Coley on the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas

May 25, 2022

Once again, as a nation, we face unspeakable violence and tragedy in a place of learning. As of the release of this statement, 21 people, including 19 children, were killed yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The fullness of our broken hearts extends to the families and communities shattered by this tragedy.

We mourn, but our grief must be contingent on the reality that our condolences are only as effectual as the action we take to end this violence. And while we despair with justification, we cannot allow anguish to provoke hopelessness. Gun violence is not insoluble. It will take determination, but we must make the necessary changes in our laws and in our communities so that children can simply go to school free of fear.

If you are in need of support, please know that campus resources remain available over the summer. Students may reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 909-869-3220 or https://www.cpp.edu/caps/. Faculty and staff can call 1-800-367-7474 (CPPLifeMatters) or https://www.cpp.edu/~employee-assist.