In a memo, Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick announced the university will lower its flag to half-staff on Thursday, June 16, in honor of lives lost over the weekend in Florida after a gunman left 49 dead at an Orlando gay nightclub.
The Howard University is grieving for the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando today, but the black college leader also reminded students “to stay vigilant” and said it’s OK to say something if and when you see something. “…continue to speak out against all hate and violence against all members of our community, because when one Bison hurts, we all hurt,” said Frederick.
“The shooting that occurred in Orlando was a tragedy and should have never taken place,” the memo read. “Those who died were innocent victims of an inexcusable act of violence. We pray for complete healing for the survivors and comfort for the families and loved ones of those killed. In honor of the victims, Howard will lower the University flag to half-staff through sunset on Thursday, June 16.”
Frederick added: “[The Howard community] stand in solidarity with the members of the LGBTQ community against hate and intolerance. Intolerance of one group is intolerance of all. Our students, some of whom identify as LGBTQ, must be able to feel safe in their space, be it inside or outside the classroom.”
