President Folt’s message to the Trojan Family about the Monterey Park shootings

USC President Carol L. Folt on Monday sent the following message to the university community:

Dear Trojan Family,

As the news unfolded over the weekend, our community of Trojans – here and across the world – united in grief and shock over the shootings in Monterey Park. This terrible act shattered a day of celebration and joy – the Lunar New Year – a time when millions of people rejoice in their hopes for the new year ahead. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and communities of those who were lost and injured.

Many Trojans – including close to 1,300 students and more than 3,500 faculty, staff and alumni – call Monterey Park, Alhambra and the surrounding communities home. Since yesterday morning, we have been reaching out to them – offering support and resources as we mourn collectively.

Out of respect, we also canceled our Lunar New Year Celebration at the USC Pacific Asia Museum yesterday. We are grateful to our staff at the LAC+USC emergency department and trauma surgery service, and those working to identify campus housing for the victims’ relatives and loved ones. While there is much still not fully understood, we also appreciate the rapid response and sharing of information by our government officials and local law enforcement.

Here are a few ways USC can support you, and those around you, now:

• Our support and intervention teams are available to provide immediate and long-term assistance.
• USC Counseling and Mental Health teams stand at the ready to offer guidance and counsel – or just to listen.
• The Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association (APIFSA) executive board will host a virtual space for listening and support from 2-3 p.m. today.
• The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life chaplains are also available for spiritual care and grief counseling.

Respectfully yours,

Carol L. Folt
President
University of Southern California