Rutgers University's Ongoing Efforts to Combat Gun Violence

August 5, 2019

Dear Rutgers Colleagues:

This past weekend, 22 people were killed in El Paso, Texas, and a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio left nine dead. Once again, another weekend of hate-inspired gun violence shakes our core and breaks our hearts. In the face of this hate, we stand committed to our core institutional values, which embrace, include and support all peoples. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and the communities burdened with sorrow and gripped with fear.

In the midst of these tragedies, the Rutgers community remains steadfast in its commitment to end gun violence and the senseless deaths it causes. As public health educators and scholars, we believe this is a public health problem that can be solved. At our Center on Gun Violence Research—among the first in the country—we continue to research the causes, consequences and solutions for this type of violence, and we get closer to translating this work into clear and actionable policies and programs every day. Specifically, work is imminent at Rutgers that will explore finding answers to individual and societal determinants for involvement; consequences of gun violence; prevention; effectiveness of existing laws and policies; and efforts to promote the responsibility of safe gun ownership and use.

In the meantime, we continue to partner with local, state and national experts and engage a variety of stakeholders to work collaboratively to address this national health epidemic. For our students, we stand ready to help in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. Counseling services are available through CAPS at health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/ or UBHC at ubhc.rutgers.edu/swp/index.html.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Molloy, PhD
Chancellor, Rutgers University­–New Brunswick

Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences