By Stacey Hall, Ph.D., NIRSA President and Director of Campus Recreation at the University of New Hampshire and Pam Watts, NIRSA Executive Director

As the tragic events from this weekend continue to sink in, the NIRSA Board of Directors has gathered for its annual summer leadership meetings taking place this year in Washington D.C. On behalf of the NIRSA Board of Directors, we would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the communities, families, and individuals affected by this senseless crime.

As an organization that has expressed its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, NIRSA is deeply saddened and troubled by the hateful nature of this heinous act. NIRSA’s leadership is committed to using the platform of campus recreation as a vehicle for promoting not only leadership and wellbeing, but also for advancing social justice.

Our hearts go out to the Orlando community, particularly the Valencia College and University of Central Florida communities, as individuals come to terms with this catastrophe and begin to heal.