Office of the President

We Grieve Together With Our Community

January 23, 2023

We are devastated by Saturday’s mass shooting that took place in a Monterey Park dance studio while many were celebrating the start of Lunar New Year. Our hearts are with the families and friends who lost loved ones and we send comfort and support to those who were injured. We grieve for and with those whose lives are forever changed by this heinous act.
 
With this attack taking place so close to home, we recognize how this may impact our communities, particularly the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Monterey Park, not far from our campus, is home to one of the largest AAPI communities in the United States and is also home for many of Cal Poly Pomona’s students, alumni and employees. As a country, we continue to witness a disturbing rise in unprovoked violence, harassment and racism toward the AAPI community. We must recommit ourselves daily to our values and to making the change we want to see in the world. 
 
In these painful moments, we must understand and recognize that many of our students, faculty and staff may be experiencing fear, anxiety and anger following this weekend’s tragic events and other recent attacks, and we must do whatever we can to support each other.
 
For those of you who wish to join in community, the Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center will be holding space today, Jan. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center is located in Building 95-101 and can be reached at (909) 869-3967. Coming together in community enables us to engage with each other, to learn more, and to seek support if we need to talk to someone about recent events.

Below are additional resources for students, faculty and staff:

As we begin a new semester, please know that we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our entire campus community.


Sincerely,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D
President