Dean Delva on This Week’s Shootings

Saturday, October 27, 2018

As dean, I wanted to reach out to you, the BUSSW community:

Today’s shooting and killings at the Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the murder of two Black elders in Louisville, Kentucky, by a man who reportedly first tried to enter a Black church earlier this week, and the bombs sent to legislators and others, are additional, and painful, reminders of the hatred that still exists in our country.  We, at the BU School of Social Work, offer our deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by the killings and continue to communicate that we find anti-semitism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexual harassment, and other forms of hate, prejudice, and harmful behaviors towards marginalized populations, morally offensive.

These distressing events should further remind us of the importance of voting, only a few days away.  Please vote for legislators and leaders whose platforms aim to:

Build bridges and partnerships, not destroy them,
Embrace differences, not disparage them, and
Be inclusive and welcoming, and not intolerant and hateful.

In addition to voting, get involved with organizations that espouse the values of our social work profession, namely social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.  Work with those who share these values to eliminate ignorance and hate to stop these senseless and deeply painful acts.

At the same time, please reach out to loved ones to provide and seek comfort. Engage in activities that can fill your life with positive energy, learning, and overall health.  Not only these activities are necessary to rejuvenate you but they also will help strengthen your resolve and counter the negativity that exists to make a positive difference in the world.

STOP THE HATE, please vote!

Jorge Delva
Dean
School of Social Work