Barnard is hosting a forum tonight for members of the community to process and support each other through a discussion on last week’ tragic shooting in Newtown. In a message sent to the entire Barnard community President Spar writes that “While there are no easy answers, we hope that coming together in this way will be a postiive step toward healing.” All those who would like to take the opportunity to reflect on and honor the memory of the victims are encouraged to gather in the Judith Shaprio Faculty Room, on the second floor of the Diana Center, today at 6:00 PM. 

Especially in a time of such high stress it is increasingly important to pay equal attention to your mental health as you do to your studies. The full email from DSpar below:

 Dear members of the Barnard community,

The senseless tragedy in Newtown has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of an entire nation. Understandably, it has spurred an outpouring of emotion, and has generated vigorous debate and difficult discussions on topics of importance to us all.

With this in mind, I invite Barnard students, faculty, and staff to come together for an open forum, this Tuesday, December 18th, at 6:00 pm. in the Judith Shapiro Faculty Room (Second Floor, The Diana Center) so that, collectively, we can discuss our thoughts and ideas on whatever is on our minds: gun control, better treatment for mental health, the security and safety of our campus and community, and the most basic feelings of fear and anxiety elicited by this unfathomable event. While there are no easy answers, we hope that coming together in this way will be a positive step towards healing.

Sincerely,

Debora Spar