President's Statement on the Shooting in Buffalo, NY

Dear STCC Community,

This past weekend, our nation was once again rocked with the news of gun violence. This time however, instead of a school, which has become an unfortunate pattern, we saw an attack against innocent victims buying groceries in Buffalo, New York. It is clear this heinous attack was race-based, targeting the African American and Black community in Western New York. STCC has made clear our commitment to anti-racism and inclusion; we have stated our values broadly knowing that within a diverse and caring community we derive strength and deep knowledge.

The tragedy in Buffalo has had an impact on our students, employees, and surrounding communities, and particularly for people of color. We stand in solidarity with the State of New York in denouncing White Supremacist ideologies, and the taking of innocent lives. Tragically, we must once more say with clarity: hatred, racism, and anti-Black violence have no place in our schools, our communities, and our country. We condemn this racial violence.

I urge all students and employees to take advantage of the resources offered through the College including counseling and other types of assistance. This is a very difficult time:


In Solidarity,

John B. Cook, Ph.D.
President