Statement on the Massacre in Texas From Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., the Board Of Regents, and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa

Once again, we pray for the victims of another horrific mass shooting. We pray too for their families, friends, and loved ones. We have seen too much violence and hatred. As President Biden said last night, "it is time to turn this pain into action." 

We know what we must do to make our schools safer. We must invest wisely in school security measures. We must continue to offer guidance to schools and parents as we work to support all students' social, emotional, and mental health needs. And we must continue to work with our elected representatives to enact commonsense gun safety measures to prevent mass shootings – steps supported by most Americans. For too long, Congress has simply refused to take up the issue of gun safety; we cannot allow them to continue their intransigence. Policymakers and those in leadership positions must act now and be held accountable for their actions. 

A little more than a week ago, we prayed for the lives senselessly taken in Buffalo. Today we pray for the innocent souls lost in Uvalde. We pray for those who are injured physically and emotionally and for everyone impacted by these horrific events. May we all grow stronger and wiser. And may we, as a nation, finally find the strength and courage to take the actions we know will keep us safer. As Americans, we must unite in the effort to safeguard our children, our families, and our communities.