by Jake Feldman
Content Lead
When a school shooter struck at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, the Rochester University community was deeply affected by the tragedy. RU has many connections to Oxford High School, including having more than 100 students in our E
arly College Program, numerous Oxford alumni who are now students here, and many employees who reside in Oxford and whose kids attend Oxford schools.
The shooting took the lives of four Oxford students and injured six students and one teacher. The shooter, 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley, fired roughly 30 shots before surrendering himself to Oakland County sheriffs. Both Crumbley and his parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, were arrested last week. Ethan is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and with terrorism causing death. His parents are charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Both Crumbley and his parents have pled not guilty to the crimes, so a trial is likely in this case.
As for the victims—both the 11 who were physically harmed and the hundreds of
others who were impacted by the tragic events— on behalf of Rochester University and Shield
Media, our prayers are with the students, alumni, community and families of
Oxford.
Shield Media exists for the students. We create for you, the students and people of RU, The Oxford tragedy was not just another incident in Metro Detroit, it was an act of violence on our home. There was chaos, violence and terror that affected so many right here in our community.
For any who might need it, resources are available on campus. Rochester has counselors to help in any way they can. President Brian Stogner and the Center for Student Life have all sent out emails with links for how you can get help.
For all of the Oxford connections here at RU, thank you for showing us what it means to be Oxford Strong.
Rebekah Sewell, an Oxford High School graduate of 2018 and a junior education major at RU, said, "To me Oxford strong means coming together as a community to support each other during this time and setting aside differences. I’ve seen so many local businesses and people open their hearts to the community and provide free services for those affected, and I’ve also seen the incredible amount of fundraising done by people in the community for the families affected."
Though terror and violence have lasting impacts, it is our spirit of community, love, and
togetherness that overcomes even the most tragic of situations. Tate Myre, who was killed in the shooting, said about his Oxford football teammates: "We trust each other. We love each other..." and his words give the best definition of the Oxford community that we could find.
Throughout vigils, memorial services, funerals and church services, we have witnessed the Oxford community's love for one another. Even in the face of violence and sorrow, when a community sticks together, it cannot be broken. May we all learn what it means to be #OxfordStrong and have eyes to look for all of the goodness that comes from community.
Sewell said: "I’ve seen so much good come from the community. I’ve seen so many people come alongside families and students affected and show endless love and support to them. I’ve seen local businesses raising awareness and donating most of their profits to families and helping pay for medical bills. It’s been a very difficult time for sure and there are families still grieving, but it’s incredible to see how supportive the community has been towards those grieving."
Shield Media wants to honor and remember all who died and all who were impacted by this tragedy. We are with you and wish you the best. To all the first responders, thank you. To the students and alumni of Oxford, thank you for your bravery and courage.
This article is written in honor of Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Justin
Schilling, and all who were affected by the events of Nov. 30, 2021. May your memory live in the hearts of all who were affected by you and your strength be an inspiration to all.