Twenty-one people. Nineteen children and two adults. Those are the numbers in the headlines following a massacre in a Texas elementary school on Tuesday. While details continue to emerge, we know that those aren’t just numbers – they are family members and friends taken as part of another act of senseless violence.  

Less than ten days ago, I wrote about the shooting inside a Buffalo, New York supermarket that was motivated by anti-Black racism and claimed the lives of 10 people. Since then, a shooting also took place at a Taiwanese church in California that killed one and wounded five people.  

Violence, whether motivated by hate or hurt, has no place in our society. While these horrific incidents continue to happen with increased frequency, we cannot become desensitized.  

These are not numbers, they are people with dreams, aspirations, plans and in this latest case, lives left most unlived.  

Humber condemns all acts of violence. Enough is enough.   

This shooting will, no doubt, have an impact on the Humber community. Support is available for students and staff who may need it. 

Students looking for mental health counselling can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support. You can also connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion. 

If you would like to access services outside of Humber, below is a list of mental health services that support racialized communities: 

• GoodToTalk (1-866-925-5454) is a 24-hour mental health support for Post-Secondary Students in Ontario. 
• Therapy Assist Online 
• Staff may also access Employee Assistance Plan services. 

Take care.