Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, families, and communities affected by this weekend’s incomprehensible violence. The scenes in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio are truly heartbreaking, and we mourn this loss of life together.

In the wake of this tragedy, it is imperative that we examine the root causes of this evil and take deliberate steps to curb gun violence and denounce all forms of hate.

This is a difficult time for our nation, and as health care professionals and students, we should seek to make the world more tolerant and more compassionate. Let us remember that we are one people, bound together by our common humanity. All persons deserve our respect and sympathy.

I hope that out of this tragedy, we will be united by a commitment to live with open minds and open hearts, to learn from one another, and work together for the wellbeing of all.

Sincerely,

Charly

Dr. Charles J. Lockwood
Senior Vice President, USF Health
Dean, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine