Statement from SJC President Dr. Boomgaarden on the New Zealand Terror Attack

March 15, 2019

St. Joseph’s College, New York stands with all those who oppose violence, injustice, racism and intolerance. We stand, too, with the victims of these horrible ills, and pray for their families and loved ones. 

The crime of hatred committed in New Zealand, and the crimes of hatred committed throughout our world, are to be utterly and completely condemned. Such crimes have no place in our vision of the future, nor do they intimidate us or cause us to hesitate in our own devotion to the good, and to our desire for inclusive love, unity and reconciliation.

This week we have celebrated the memory of St. Joseph and what that stands for in our world today. We pray for the victims of today’s violence, for our Muslim brothers and sisters and for an end to the cycle of violence, which leads only to sadness and alienation. We remain hopeful that the God of us all will serve as a light in the darkness.

Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., President
St. Joseph’s College, New York

SJC is a community that bands together in times of crisis. Counseling and support services are available to all members of the College community who are struggling to deal with the traumatic events that have overwhelmed our nation and the greater world. If you are in need of assistance at SJC Brooklyn, please reach out to Dr. Anissa Moody, director of counseling and wellness, at [email protected] or call 718.940.5734 or 718.940.5851. If you are in need of assistance at SJC Long Island, please reach out to Ms. Laurie McArdle, assistant director of wellness, at 631.687.1262 or email [email protected] to schedule a confidential appointment.