We are deeply saddened by the tragic shootings at Evergreen High School in Colorado and Utah Valley University today. Though these incidents did not occur close to our homes, it is a heartbreaking reality that any student, educator, or family must prepare for and respond to the threat of mass violence in spaces that should be defined by learning, growth, and community.

These tragedies remind us that we must do more to equip our communities to engage in civil discourse. Incivility, misinformation, and the blurring of truth through synthetic media are eroding the shared reality democracy requires. When communities lack the skills to listen, debate, and resolve conflict peacefully, division festers and violence too often takes its place.

The events of today should never happen. No one should feel violence is the only way to communicate their message, and no one should be murdered for expressing their opinion.

We remain hopeful that one day, our students and communities will be better equipped to communicate effectively and where such threats are no longer a daily fear, but a distant memory—and where the next generation can collaborate and thrive together.

###