A Message from CSUSM President Haynes

Cal State San Marcos President Karen Haynes sent the following message to the campus community today:

With sadness and outrage, I write to you following this week’s acts of violence in Baton Rouge, La., Falcon Heights, Minn., and Dallas, Texas, which resulted in the killings of two black men and five police officers.

I know that these senseless events cause distress, pain and a feeling of helplessness to many members of our campus community. As we mourn alongside those impacted – the victims, the survivors, their friends and family members – we must remain unified in our University’s values of inclusiveness, individual and cultural diversity, respect and openness.

Here at CSUSM, we will not tolerate anything but a safe and inclusive campus for everyone. No one should feel that any aspect of their identity makes them a target. These recent events highlight the importance not only of our social justice centers – including our future Black Resource Center – but of the work that we must continue to do to support diversity and inclusion at our University.

As a social worker with a background in community organizing, I know well that when a community comes together, their collective power can create change. We must condemn these acts of violence - rejecting the notion that they represent a new normal in America – and support each other as we embrace the difficult yet vital work of promoting change, not only here at CSUSM but in our region, our state, our nation and our world.

Today and next week, staff from Student Health and Counseling Services, the Cross-Cultural Center, the Gender Equity Center, the Latin@ Center, Student Life and Leadership and the Dean of Students Office will be available for those seeking support. In addition The Office of University Ombuds will offer extended hours for confidential and neutral assistance, and the CARE Manager in the Dean of Students Office is available to provide information about on and off campus resources. Nick Mortaloni, LCSW, can be reached at nmortaloni@csusm.edu or by contacting SOAR at (760) 750-7627.

I also want to share that this Sunday at noon in the USU Amphitheater, the Black Student Union will host a student-organized Black Lives Matter event, open to all members of our community, to safely reflect on these incidents, grieve, and share thoughts and feelings with one another.

Together, let’s continue our important work and the difficult conversations to counteract the hate and divisiveness of our times. Together we can make a difference. Together we are CSUSM.

Sincerely,

Karen S. HaynesPresident