Statement of Cal Poly Pomona President Soraya M. Coley on the Mass Shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods

May 16, 2022

We had barely begun to absorb the tragic events in Buffalo on Saturday when news arrived of yet another mass shooting, this time in Laguna Woods in Orange County. The Cal Poly Pomona community mourns for this senseless loss of life. In moments such as this, words do so little, but we offer our own grief as a message of hope and solidarity to all those suffering at this time.

We have yet to garner further details on the incident in Laguna Woods. However, it has been reported that the perpetrator in Buffalo acted out of racist hate towards the Black community. As Nelson Mandela taught, no one is born a racist or to seek harm. They must learn or be taught to hate. As an institution of learning, Cal Poly Pomona remains committed to affirming our differences and our collective wellbeing, while also dismantling racism, sexism and bigotry in all their insidious forms.

I know these tragedies are personal and painful for so many of us. I strongly urge those who need support to utilize campus resources. 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.