An estimated 300 people gathered at noon on Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus Monday to demonstrate their support for the victims and families of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, which has so far claimed the lives of some 50 people.

The flags at the entrance to the campus were flying at half-staff. Participants listened to speakers — including Na’ilah Nasir, Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion at UC Berkeley and Billy Curtis, Director of the university’s Gender Equity Resource Center — and were asked to join hands and sing “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” together.

Meanwhile, on the Berkeley High campus Monday, the Gender & Sexuality Alliance and the Muslim Student Association partnered to fundraise for those impacted by the Orlando shooting. They plan to send all donations to Equality Florida, a nonprofit working to support victims.

Do you rely on Berkeleyside for your local news? You can support independent local journalism by becoming a Berkeleyside Member. You can choose either a monthly payment or a one-time contribution.