Standing with Orlando

June 13, 2016

To the JU Community,

With heartfelt sadness we express our sympathies, sorrow, and yes, anger, over the horrific attacks on innocent people in Orlando early Sunday morning. It goes without saying that when one of us is attacked, we must consider that we are all under attack. Not just our security, but our way of life, our values and our dignity.

We stand with the people of Orlando, and in light of those targeted in this incident, we stand behind the rights of every individual in our society, no matter their background or beliefs. That is what makes the United States the great nation that it is: our ability to live together despite our differences.

I offer the sincere prayers of the JU family to all those affected. With such a high number of victims in this shooting, the worst in our nation’s history, it is to be expected that some of you may learn that you know some of those affected. Our grief counselors are available to offer you their guidance, advice, and just a kind and hopeful ear as you navigate through understanding this terrible event. They can be reached by calling their office at (904) 256-7180.

As with any tragedy involving safety and security, we are reviewing all our security measures here at JU. Let me assure you that we are always at work reviewing, revising and updating our security measures to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Our thoughts and prayers to all those affected,

Tim Cost
President
Jacksonville University
Class of 1981