There are few words to describe the horror that attended this weekend’s news of a shooting in a Colorado Springs LGBTQ2S+ bar.

Five people were killed and 25 injured in an appalling act of violence. The suspect is facing multiple murder and hate-crime charges. The notion that members of the LGBTQ2S+ community need still fear for their lives simply because of who they are is beyond atrocious.

On behalf of everyone in the ECU community, I condemn violence of any kind in the strongest possible terms. That this attack marks the sixth mass killing in the U.S. in November alone is a nearly unthinkable tragedy.

My wife, Laurel, and I stand by all LGBTQ2S+ faculty, staff and students and offer our fullest and most ardent support for each of you. You are valued and you are seen.

If you have been touched personally by this event or are in need of support of any kind, services are available for your immediate assistance.

For ECU students, free and confidential trauma-informed counselling services are available to you.

For ECU staff and faculty, employee and family assistance services are available online at workhealthlife.com or by phone at 1.844.880.9142 (TTY 1.877.338.0275). These services are likewise free and confidential.

A list of further resources and community supports is available online, including 24-hour crisis supports, distress supports and free/reduced-cost counselling.


Gillian Siddall
President + Vice-Chancellor

Emily Carr University of Art + Design