Dear Colleagues,
I am sure that the news of the multiple mass shootings across the nation this past weekend has caused you the same anguish, pain, and grief that we have felt. There is no comfort for the families and friends of the victims in Buffalo, NY, Laguna Woods, CA, and several other cities that experienced horrific violence this week. Our hearts go out to these communities affected by these recent shootings, and although all violence is abhorrent, we are especially troubled by the violence that was motivated by racism and bigotry. Though it is a tragedy of our time that communities continued to be targeted so frequently based solely on their race or identity, we cannot become numb to these events.
Here at the Lab, our stewardship values of respect, trust, service, innovation, and team science – as well as our principles of IDEA – help to remind us that each one of us has an important role in building our culture. Our community actively stands against hate and violence and for treating everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve as human beings. As a nation, we have a long way to go to reach an equitable society, and our community can take actions that advance us along that path.
As we process our reactions and support our colleagues in the wake of these events, some resources that may be helpful are the Lab’s employee assistance program, Healthy and Well at LBNL, guidance for supervisors and managers about responding to current events, the Lab’s Equity Reset Program, and a variety of resources on the topic of racial equity.
We have been through so much as a community in the last few years, and I know that we can get through this most recent series of tragedies by supporting one another.
Mike, Michael and Carol
Mike Witherell
Laboratory Director
Carol Burns
Deputy Lab Director for Research and CRO
Michael Brandt
Deputy Lab Director for Operations and COO
