Reflecting on Recent Gun Violence Throughout the Country and at Home

We are deeply saddened by the recent gun violence in Buffalo, New York; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Laguna Woods, California; and of course, in our hometown of Philadelphia. Perhaps it is most disturbing when a mass shooting is motivated by racial hatred and white supremacist ideologies, as was the case in Buffalo, where 10 people were killed and many more were injured at a supermarket. Yet the widespread nature and frequency of these incidents throughout the country, coupled with ongoing gun violence right here in our own city, makes such violence even more alarming and almost impossible to comprehend. Let’s hold our community, our city, those impacted by recent gun violence, and our country in the Light.

At times like these, it is important to remind ourselves of who we are, as members of a Quaker community. Friends Select School is committed to being a safe haven for students and families from all religious faiths, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, and nationalities. We seek equity, social justice, and non-violent resolutions to conflict, as we empower students to become agents of change within our society. Together, we are committed to becoming an antiracist school, and we educate our diverse community to be respectful of all political, social, and religious views.

It is vital that we support each other during such emotionally difficult times. Part of that, of course, means finding age-appropriate ways of discussing current events with your family, as challenging as that may be. Our school’s psychologist and counselor have provided a list of resources for supporting ourselves and our children in the aftermath of such violence. Please know that our psychologist, counselor, faculty, staff, and I are always available to meet with you and your student.