The West Virginia Social Work Education Consortium, representing the Social Work Programs/schools in the state of West Virginia, joins the multitude of voices across the nation, offering condolences to the families and friends of the nine people who lost their lives in the June 17 mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. This tragedy has shaken the community of Charleston, S.C, with resulting disbelief and sadness felt by every community across our nation. The lives of so many have been changed forever due to this senseless act.

The WV-SWEC expresses utmost grief and offers heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the tragedy. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and the citizens of Charleston, South Carolina at this time. The families and loved ones of the victims deserve our focused efforts to prevent such wanton disregard of human life from being a part of our future. These efforts have their genesis in informed discussions on race relations and realistic understandings of the pervasiveness and preventability of the gun violence problem that is unique to the United States. There is no better time than now to initiate these conversations, which, by many, are misunderstood and avoided.

The writings and behavior of Dylann Roof, indicate racial hatred was his motivation for deliberately killing the church members who so graciously welcomed him into their fellowship. Some have said there were other factors motivating Dylann Roof’s evil animus. Although we deride such a heinous act, we must strive to understand as completely as we can understand why this occurred. Through this understanding, we can intervene better to affect needed change. WV-SWEC continues to find ways to advance our understanding and that of our communities regarding the chasm that exists relative to prejudice and animating prejudice into senseless and destructive acts.

Each WV-SWEC school has undertaken activities to further discussions within our communities regarding prejudice and racial conflict. We will continue the struggle to understand all the dimensions of the genesis of such odious and shocking acts. Increased understanding and discussion of topics such as race, class, and violence, can serve to begin the overdue process of changing both institutions and the societies that engender such violent acts and minds.

With Respect and Sincerity,

WV Social Work Education Consortium Members