<p>Dear Harvard College Community,</p>
<p>I write to update you on developments following Monday’s tragic shooting
at Kirkland House and about preliminary steps that we will be taking to
address some of the issues that the ongoing investigation has raised.</p>
<p>The Middlesex County District Attorney made clear this morning (May 22)
that drugs were at the center of the events that brought Justin Cosby
together with his assailants on Monday.</p>
<p>It appears that the parties involved gained access to Kirkland House
with the help of Harvard students.</p>
<p>The district attorney and police have assured us that this violent
encounter was an isolated incident, and that there is no reason to fear
a continued threat to the security of our students.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are important lessons to learn from this sad episode. I
intend to work with student leaders and others to address the nature
and risks of illicit drug use on campus, to underscore the importance
of safety and security practices for the entire College community,
and to examine the adequacy of existing policies relating to student life.</p>
<p>The safety and security of our students, staff, and faculty are
fundamental University priorities. Despite the recent decrease in overall
crime on campus, we must never be complacent. We have taken a number of
steps over the past two years to improve security across the University,
but as an urban campus we must work continuously to maintain a safe and
secure environment.</p>
<p>We also want to make sure that our residential-life staff have the tools
they need to help students take full advantage of their Harvard education
and deepen their sense of responsibility to the Harvard community.</p>
<p>Finally, I know many students and parents may have questions or thoughts
they want to share, and I welcome those inquiries. Please feel free to
contact my office at <a href=“mailto:hcdean@fas.harvard.edu”>hcdean@fas.harvard.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Sincerely yours,</p>
<p>Evelynn Hammonds</p>