PrezBo has just released a statement on the lifting of the lockdown in Boston, with no mention of the lack of alert last night. Boston is in Bwog’s thoughts, especially as an apparent standoff is currently going on, and we hope that everybody with friends and family remains safe and sound. CPS and Public Safety numbers appear in the email after the jump.

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,

As we have watched events unfold in Boston, including today’s lockdown of the city and neighboring communities that has only just now been relaxed by authorities there, the Columbia community’s concerns remain with those who are living through this frightening situation.   We continue to grieve for the innocent lives that have been lost and keep those who have been injured in our thoughts.  A great many of us have family, friends, and colleagues living in the Boston area and working or studying at our peer institutions there — and we naturally want to be sure they are safe and sound.  As we begin our own weekend here, we want to remind members of our Morningside campus student community affected by these developments about the availability of Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), reachable after hours at 212-854-9797.  Medical Center students may seek assistance by contacting the Student Health Service at 212-305-3400.

As always, we encourage members of our campus community to remain vigilant and alert to their surroundings.  If you see anything out of the ordinary, please contact Public Safety at 212-854-5555 (Morningside Campus) or 212-305-7979 (Medical Center Campus).

As a community, we wish for a swift conclusion to these profoundly sad and disturbing events.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger