Mavericks, 

Institutions of higher learning have a responsibility to build spaces in which all members of the community can feel affirmed, empowered, and accepted in their identity. Because we care so deeply about this mission, it is painful to see the recent rise in violence in these past weeks at the University of Virginia and University of Idaho. We also recognize that violence targeting individuals of a certain community, particularly the LGBTQIA2S+ community in light of the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, threatens both personal safety and identity.  

Sadly, these recent hateful, senseless acts of violence come at a time when the people in these impacted communities were preparing to gather and give thanks. We want all Mavericks – especially our LGBTQIA2S+ Mavericks – to know they are part of a caring community and that there are a wide array of campus resources that can help process these tragic events.  

Although this is a challenging time, my campus leadership team and I are proud that UNO is home to scholars like those found in NCITE who work diligently to understand such acts of violence, as well as thoughtful leadership in the Office of Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion who work to make our university community a place that is safe and welcome to all.  

For students, know that our Counseling and Psychological Services Office (CAPS) office is available if you need access to mental health support, and for our faculty and staff, there are mental health resources available to you through the Faculty and Staff Employee Assistance Program (FSEAP). And, UNO’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), and its wealth of programming and services, is available to all Mavericks. 

A great community builds up the people within it, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha stands against such hatred and violence and is working to ensure that UNO is a safe environment for our colleagues, our students, our families, and community partners. Know that you are not alone.  

Sincerely, 

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA 

Chancellor 

Cathy Pettid, LMHP 

Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life and Wellbeing 

A.T. Miller, Ph.D. 

Chief Diversity Officer 

Gina Ligon, Ph.D. 

Director of NCITE 

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.