In the last few days, we have seen violence erupt on two college campuses. In Moscow, Idaho, the brutal death of four University of Idaho students is being investigated as a homicide.
And in Charlottesville, Virginia, three University of Virginia students have been shot and killed by another student. During the same time in New York City, gun violence has taken innocent lives.
This news has shaken our community. I offer my deepest condolences to the families and college communities impacted by the devastating events of the last few days in Virginia and Idaho.
I am saying a prayer for them and for those in New York City who are suffering from the impact of needless violence. May they rest and grieve, finding inner strength and strength from those around them.
Violence in any form — from verbal bullying to physical attack — is met with zero tolerance at BMCC. It is unconscionable. It is hard to understand.
But I am certain of this — that the safety of our students is among my deepest personal concerns. As an institution, it takes precedence over all else.
Violence may tap our fears, but it also gives us a reason to come together and affirm our strengths. We are a unique community, born of the diversity of New York City and fortified with many cultures. We value learning and professionalism. We value collaboration, civility and kindness.
We are committed to constantly assessing and upgrading the safety measures, initiatives and programs that ensure the security of our BMCC community.
BMCC has a robust, comprehensive Public Safety department. No rock has been left unturned, in our approach to campus safety, and this has earned BMCC distinctions including being ranked the safest campus in New York State, according to SafeHome.org.
We highly value protocols of emergency preparedness and make that information easily available to our BMCC community.
You might be hearing the term “shelter in place,” in the news of the college campuses that have been struck with tragedy. BMCC has well-defined guidelines for sheltering in place.
You might be hearing the phrase, “active shooter,” and “Run, Hide, Fight.” BMCC promotes the best practices in campus safety, providing resources including a Run, Hide, Fight video and instructions.
If you witness a crime or emergency, I urge you to call Public Safety at (212) 220-8080. If you are on campus, you can call 911 or use one of the many easy-to-find, blue call boxes in place to assist you in getting help.
BMCC Public Safety will respond quickly and with the highest professional standards. The BMCC Counseling Center is also ready to assist students in addressing these recent, shocking events.
I commend the members of our community for playing the long game, for staying focused on their goals to earn an education and move forward in their lives — in good times and bad. While we grieve with those who are suffering loss in these recent tragedies, we are reminded that we have each other to lean on.
Thank you for being an amazing community of faculty, students and staff. We all have a role to play in ensuring the well-being and safety of our campus.
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
