Statement on recent shooting in Colorado Springs

Dear Andrews community,

Following the horrific mass shooting in Colorado Springs on Sunday, Nov. 20, we invite you to join us in praying for the families and friends of the victims, those recovering from their injuries, and many more now living with unspeakable trauma.

Andrews University condemns any form of hatred or violence against members of the LGBTQ community. The past two years have brought a surge of anti-LGBTQ activity across the country, fueled by inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders, some spiritual leaders, as well as media outlets. This increased threat has left many LGBTQ people feeling increasingly unsafe and unwelcome.

As people of faith, let us resolve to say or do nothing that would demean another person. Differences and disagreements need not result in disrespectful or hurtful words or behavior. Our highest calling as a Seventh-day Adventist campus is to love one another and demonstrate that tangibly. We are to model “a more excellent way” (Romans 12:31).

As we enter into this holiday season, we invite you to take the time to reach out to LGBTQ family members and friends. Let them know you care and pray for their well-being during this unsettling time. Additionally, for many in the LGBTQ community, the holidays are difficult, as they often experience stigma, rejection and even estrangement from family and church. Your encouragement can make a difference.

If you are part of the LGBTQ community, please know that you need not journey alone or in silence. Our on-campus Haven group is here to provide a confidential and caring community. Contact David Sedlacek or Shannon Trecartin at havencare@andrews.edu for more information. Campus counselors and chaplains are also available for support, along with the Andrews Telehealth services. If you have experienced harassment due to your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, you can report it to the Title IX office in the Campus Center.

As an Andrews community, let’s answer the heart-wrenching violence of this week with a firmer commitment to love, protect and care for one another.

Sincerely,

Michael Nixon
Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion