Dear All,

As the president of the University of Minnesota SAFE chapter, I want to acknowledge the violence occurring in our state. As an organization dedicated to lessening the morbidity and mortality associated with firearm violence, SAFE condemns the use of firearms against Minnesotans, including by the federal government’s Operation Metro Surge. The current violence in our community disproportionately impacts immigrants, people of color, and Native people, and affects all of us.

I am writing to remind you to not underestimate the harm of experiencing violence firsthand or of the secondary trauma of witnessing firearm violence in our community. It is not normal to witness firearm violence, whether you are caring for gun violence victims at the hospital or watching loved ones and community members die at the hands of federal agents on the news/social media. You may also notice your own reactions to past traumas coming up again. Your emotional responses to this moment show your humanity, and are a sign of your deep care for others.

If you need support with navigating school at this time or if you feel unsafe or targeted, you are not alone. I can help connect you to University or community resources to meet your needs, or offer a listening ear myself. My heart is with you as you continue to show up and navigate courses, clerkships, STEP exams, etc. Completing medical school is difficult, and under these circumstances it feels almost impossible. I stand with you.

Our work is more important now than ever.

With love and appreciation,

Kate Weis

UMN SAFE Chapter Leader