UBC speaks out against hate, stands with victims of Orlando shootings

To all members of the UBC community:

Early on Sunday morning, a senseless act of gun violence claimed the lives of 50 innocent people in a nightclub in Florida and gravely injured another 53, making it the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. It has emerged that the gunman specifically targeted the club because of the LGBTQ communities that gather there.

Here at UBC, we are immensely proud of our diversity and, as ever, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the LGBTQ community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the community of Orlando, and the American people, especially the loved ones, families and friends of the dead and injured victims.

As a leading global university, UBC unequivocally condemns violence and terror, and strives to promote values of peace, stability, tolerance and respect for diversity.

UBC’s student services and counsellors are ready to assist any students, faculty and staff at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan affected by this tragic event. We will also be lowering flags at our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses to demonstrate our respect.

Martha C. Piper
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor