President Cox on School Shootings
by John Cox
In response to the recent Nashville school shooting, 4C’s President John Cox sent out an email to the college community about his thoughts on the tragedy. The Mainsheet staff felt the message was so important, we asked for the president's permission to reprint it in The Mainsheet. Here is what President Cox had to say:
Nashville is the home of the Grand Ole Opry and all those honky-tonks giving rise to the next generation of Country Music artists. Who would have thought Monday morning would start with the eighth mass killing at a K12 school since 2006 and the 130th mass shooting in the US this year, occurring at The Covenant School.
Today, we reflect on the loss of:
- Evelyn Dieckhaus, age 9
- William Kinney, age 9
- Hallie Scruggs, age 9 and daughter of the senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church
- Katherine Koonce, age 60, Head of the School
- Cynthia Peak, age 61, substitute teacher
- Mike Hill, age 61, school custodian.
And, Audrey Hale, age 28, who was armed with two assault-type rifles when fatally shot in interactions with police officers responding to the school.
Those students, teacher, and staff had their last breakfast Monday morning, likely hurried to get to school on time. These individuals are sons, daughters, relatives, and neighbors, unaware of what lied ahead.
As the investigations and analyses of the killings continue, we consider the implications of the modern interpretation of the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, articulated by the Founders 232 years ago when Arms were vastly different. The Founders' intent may not have envisioned the guns of nearly 2.5 centuries into the future. We also consider for 2023, so far this year, 9,870 people have died from gun violence in the US. Deaths by suicide made up most gun violence deaths so far this year – 57.9%. There are implications that the killer intended this as death by suicide.
Over the past years, we have too often noted similar violence. The fear is that society will normalize this violence over time. We share our condolences for the loss and pray for the victims and their families. Through faith and hope we seek to endure and overcome the darkness and suffering from this tragedy. We are mindful that often the presence of faith does not remove the presence of doubt, both co-existing as we struggle to make sense of the tragedy.
Think about where you were when you were 9 years old. It’s very difficult to craft a message for such a senseless loss of innocent life.
As you ponder this turmoil, with its continuing echo, think about how you and I should respond. As a community, we acknowledge the responsibility of one another to watch out for our neighbors. If you see something that looks concerning or threatening, say something. On campus, contact Student Wellness, the College Police (774-330-4349), or call 911. We need to renew the sense of remaining mutually responsible to ensure our neighbors are cared for and our children and young adults are kept safe.
Recalling the thoughts of Philosopher Kahlil Gibran about the Teacher, “If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”
As you think about Monday’s tragedy, I want to remind you that your College cares about you and your well-being. We understand success is tied to your wellness. We want you to succeed.
If you are traumatized by this tragedy, please know you are not alone. Students may reach out to the Student Wellness at [email protected] or contact our 24/7 Support Line at 855-612-2962. Faculty and staff may access our Employee Assistance Program at 844-263-1982 or Mass4You.
Please take care of yourself.
John Cox, President
Cape Cod Community College
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