Mohamed Warsame and Mikaela Johnson (front, right) lead the #StCloudUNITED march in September on the campus of St. Cloud State University.
Addressed to Ohio State President Michael Drake and all of the university’s students, the shares condolences and congratulating the Ohio State community on its response to the incident, which injured 11 people and ended the life of the 18-year-old attacker.
The incident has been linked in the media to a stabbing at the Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud in September in which a young man stabbed 10 people and was also killed during the attack because both of the suspects were Somali immigrants in communities with large Somali immigrant populations.
The letter is signed by Student Government President Mikaela Johnson and Somali Student Association President Mohamed Warsame, who helped lead the St. Cloud campus community in a unity effort following the mall stabbing in September.
“This year we have been met with challenges of our own, and by staying #StCloudUnited we continue to grow as a university and community to keep everyone safe. So I encourage you all to reach out in your own ways to support those around you,” Johnson said in an email to students following the Ohio State attack.
The text of the letter is as follows:
Dear President Dr. Michael V. Drake and all Ohio State University students,
On behalf of the students at St. Cloud State University, we would like to send our condolences to the students, families, friends, and everyone affected by the incident on Monday morning.
Our hearts go out to your university and community. Such acts of violence can cause the campus to worry and be in a vulnerable position. The immediate response you took to address the concerns of all students’ shows that Ohio State University is truly “Buckeye Strong.”
Recent incidents in our own community have taught us that we are stronger when we come together and celebrate our diversity of beliefs and ideas.
The experiences that you faced at OSU are prevalent across the country and your response and efforts have shown all students what we can accomplish if we come together in unity.
You have our complete support. We stand by you and send encouragement to stay strong.
Best wishes,
Mikaela M. Johnson
St. Cloud State University
Student Government PresidentMohamed N. Warsame
St. Cloud State University
Somali Student Association President
