Read President Allen’s follow-up message to the community, released on Oct. 12.

Dear La Salle Community,

Over the weekend, the world witnessed the sudden violence taking place throughout Israel and Gaza. The reports, images, and videos we are seeing in the news and social media are disturbing and anguishing. I know that members of our campus community have been personally impacted and have lost loved ones in this conflict. Thankfully, I have received information that our colleagues at Bethlehem University are safe. We pray for peace in this part of the world and for those touched by this violence while we mourn the loss of life.

While I acknowledge the complex and difficult history in this region, our Lasallian heritage and mission require us to condemn violence and hate and seek opportunities for compassion, understanding, and peace. We take great pride in our diverse community and our ability to respectfully engage in dialogue, even amidst differences in our beliefs and opinions. Our strength as a community lies in our shared Lasallian values and that we have respect for all people. As we embark on the days and weeks ahead, I encourage all of us to contribute to an inclusive and supportive campus environment.

Teams across campus are planning opportunities in the coming weeks for our faculty, staff, and students to gather in prayer and peaceful reflection.

We are reminded that times like these can cause great stress and anxiety. If you are struggling, or if someone close to you is having trouble, I encourage you to reach out to one of the resources below.

For students: The Student Counseling Center is accessible weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by emailing studentcounseling@lasalle.edu or by calling 215-951-1355. An after-hours telecounseling service is available when our office is closed by calling 215-951-1355 and pressing option #2. Additionally, we have designated walk-in hours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For employees: For information on mental health resources available to faculty and staff, please click here. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides all La Salle employees and their families with unlimited, confidential support by phone, online, live chat, email, text, and mobile app. Services include, but are not limited to, referrals to support groups, a network counselor, community resources, and your health plan. For confidential support 24/7 call toll free 1-888-293-6948 or visit the website. La Salle’s telemedicine service, Doctor on Demand, provides mental health services in addition to medical care. These services are available to anyone, but special rates apply to faculty/staff enrolled in a La Salle medical plan.

For all: Additional resources are available by contacting La Salle’s University Ministry, Service and Support (umas@lasalle.edu) and Multicultural and International Center (215-951-1948). The De La Salle Chapel and the Interfaith Prayer Room, both located in the lower level of College Hall, are also available resources for those who seek a space of solace, comfort, and community.

St. John Baptist de La Salle. Pray for us.

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D.
President