June 21, 2016
NEIU held a vigil and a moment of silence on June 14 to honor the victims of the recent Orlando shooting. NEIU President Sharon Hahs and other members of the university community spoke in front of a crowd of around 100 people. The names of the victims were read before the crowd.
A statement from President Hahs:
“Listening to all of these names stirs a lot of emotions: profound sadness, confusion, anger, frustration and heartbreak.
“Like you, I was horrified to learn that their lives were tragically cut short. It will take time for us to heal from this. While this happens, we will grieve with the families, thank the heroes and first-responders, and hope for a swift recovery for the injured.
“I am joined in this message by Provost Richard Helldobler who is unable to be present but is with us in spirit. We are reminded that we have a long way to go in ending violence and fostering acceptance in our world. Hate has no place in our society. As a university that values peace, diversity and tolerance, Northeastern stands in solidarity with our nation, with the city of Orlando, and with the LGBTQA community.
“Please join me for a moment of silence as we think about the people who died and all those who were injured on Sunday morning in Orlando.
“Thank you.”
Your donation will support the student journalists of Northeastern Illinois University's The Independent, either in writers' payment, additional supplies and other items of note. Your contribution will allow us to purchase additional equipment for writers/photographers/illustrators and cover our annual website hosting costs.
