November 28, 2022, Campus Response to LGBTQ+ Shooting
Dear Campus Community,
Over the last week while many of us were gathered with friends and family, 5 people tragically lost their lives in the November 20 mass shooting of Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We are extremely grieved at this horrific attack, and as a community college we stand united against all forms of hate and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. We mourn the lives of Kelly Loving, Daniel Aston, Derrick Rump, Ashley Paugh and Raymond Green Vance, and send our deepest condolences to their friends and families, in addition to many others who were wounded. As a college that upholds the value of our human diversity, we continue our commitment to healing and we stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community.
In Solidarity
Please join us, and invite students, to attend a Community LGBTQ+ Vigil hosted by the Diversity Department on Wednesday, November 30, 11 a.m-12 p.m. This will be a time to process the events and support each other in the community. Zoom Meeting ID: 952 2850 6689.
Remember to care for yourself and others. Let’s all do our part to listen and respect one another, and support and protect every member of our community. As always, please take this time to show compassion and care to those around you and with yourself. Here are a few ways to do that.
- Share community resources with others, including National Center for Victims of Crime, Crisis Text Line, and Trevor Project.
- Connect students with NHCC Counseling Services.
- Learn more about NHCC in Solidarity and how you can get involved.
- Access the Employee Assistance Program for personal support 24/7.
Be mindful that those around you may be dealing with fear, anger, and despair. Please take steps to extend compassion and reach out if you need support, and, as always, let us know if you have any questions.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is an LGBTQ+ advocacy group that provides information, resources, and opportunities to get involved. Visit the HRC website to learn more.
Sincerely,
NHCC Executive Team
Dr. Rolando Garcia – President
Dr. Eda Watts – Associate VP of Diversity & Inclusion
Lindsay Fort – Interim Vice President of Student Success
Dr. Nerita Hughes – Interim Associate VP of Academic Affairs
Vicki DeFord – Director of Human Resources
Dawn Belko – Interim VP of Finance & Facilities
Julio Vargas-Essex – Interim Provost/VP of Academic & Student Affairs
Joseph Collins – Chief Information Officer