Schools in San Diego react to the tragic mass shooting that happened earlier this week in Texas.
San Diego State University released a statement after the tragic massacre that took the lives of 19 children at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday morning.
"We mourn for the 19 children and two teachers killed in this act of senseless violence. Our hearts go out to the surviving students, school professionals, and families forever changed by this tragedy," said Dean Y. Barry Chung. "Our college community feels the emotional toll of school shootings particularly acutely. Our students — be they aspiring or current teachers, counselors, school psychologists, or administrators — have devoted their lives to working in schools and nurturing our nation’s children."
SDSU Dean Y. Barry Chung also emphasized how concerning it is that the most recent mass shootings have struck minority communities in our country.
The Dean refers to not just Uvalde, but also the supermarket shooting that took place in Buffalo, and at an Orange County church where Taiwanese-Americans were in attendance.
"The specter of mass gun violence has become a sad reality for all Americans," Dean Y. Barry Chung said. "And this shooting, which took place in a predominantly Latinx school, is part of a recent string of incidents that have terrorized communities of color nationwide. We have been deeply saddened and outraged by hate-fueled attacks on Black shoppers in a Buffalo supermarket and Taiwanese American worshippers in an Orange County church. These atrocities are symptomatic of a toxic mix created by multiple crises — racism, mental health, and gun violence — intersecting at once. We must never become numb to this."
And here in the south bay, The Chula Vista Elementary School District released a statement regarding the Uvalde shooting, hitting home to the district's core community filled with staff members who take care of children on a daily basis.
"We were all shocked and saddened to hear the news of the shooting that took place a few hours ago in Uvalde, Texas. As parents and educators, we cannot even imagine the pain that the families of the shooting victims are going through right now," the school district said in a statement. "The Chula Vista Elementary School District sends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, school staff, and those affected by this tragedy."
The statement emphasized that they will keep striving to provide a safe setting for all kids in their district, as they plan to evaluate new ways to create a secure environment throughout Chula Vista with the help of law enforcement.
We continue to make the safety of our students, their families, and our staff the number one priority for our district. We are committed to continuing to evaluate and strengthen our security plans and procedures. In addition, we will continue to work in partnership with local law enforcement agencies to provide safe and secure teaching and learning environments," they stated. "For those members of our schools who may need additional support at this time, we want to encourage you to use our on-site counseling staff. These outstanding professionals are here to work with students and staff who may need help during this time.
Thank you for all you do to support your family, especially at times like these. CVESD stands with you in caring for our school communities."
