UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State is mourning the horrific Nov. 19 attack on an LGBTQ night club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and reminding the entire university community, including faculty, staff and students, of critical support resources that support our sexual and gender diverse communities.
"We are shocked and saddened by the tragedy unfolding in Colorado Springs, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families," said Brian Patchcoski, assistant vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion in Student Affairs at Penn State and co-chair of the President’s Commission on LGBTQ Equity (CLGBTQE).
"With this incident occurring close to various fall and winter holidays, and as we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20, the tremendous impact of this attack on sexual and gender diverse communities should be noted."
"Places like this night club, and other community gathering spaces, have served as places where ‘chosen family’ have historically gathered, especially for our students, faculty, staff and alumni who might be traveling to environments where they might not be able to bring or be their full selves. A tragedy occurring any time is horrific, however, we must acknowledge the additional pain and instilling of fear that this tragedy might cause as these communities seek to find strength to gather and collectively move forward."
"We join with our entire Penn State LGBTQA+ community in denouncing this unspeakable act of violence, and in speaking out against hate, violence and intolerance in all forms. We offer our deepest condolences to all who have been impacted by Saturday’s attack and we wish to remind members of our own community that resources are available if you are in need."
Though many students, faculty and staff are away from campus and traveling this week, the following resources will remain available during normal business hours through the holiday break.
Community Support Resources
The following resources are available to Penn State community members in need of support:
For students
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for students at the University Park campus can be reached at 814-863-0395. Contact information for counseling services at each Commonwealth Campus is available here.
- The Penn State Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity offers resources and support for students and other community members. Staff are available to provide emotional support and additional resources at 814-863-1248 or by contacting LGBTQ@psu.edu during normal business hours.
- The Penn State Gender Equity Center supports students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment and other campus climate issues. Staff are available to provide emotional support and additional resources at 814-863-2027 during normal business hours.
- Student Care and Advocacy coordinates with offices across campus to help students navigate the various resources the Penn State community provides.
- Use Community and Belonging Resources to find a supportive and welcoming community.
For employees
- Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential mental health and counseling resources for employees and eligible family members.
- The Penn State Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity offers a listing of resources for faculty and staff who may be in need, available here.
- The center also curates a list of statewide and national resources for all Penn Staters, including CenterLink, which provides a listing of LGBTQ+ centers and other resources in Pennsylvania and beyond.
In addition, the Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and noncrisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses who have a question about someone else. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.