Message from President Mangelsdorf on Standing in Solidarity with our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Communities

To the University of Rochester Community:

The recent increase in violence and acts of hate against Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in this country seems to have reached its nadir in the tragic events that took place in Atlanta on Tuesday. Sadly, we have heard from members of these communities at the University that they feel targeted and unsafe, even here at an institution that places diversity, equity, and inclusion among its highest values.

We want to express, unequivocally, our support for our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students, post docs, faculty, and staff. To them we say: you are an integral and valued part of our beautifully diverse community. To every member of the University of Rochester community we say: we are all responsible for ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, welcome, and respected, regardless of their nationality or race or religious or political beliefs or gender identity or any of the innumerable human conditions that create our beautiful diversity.

If you see or experience instances of bias or discrimination, the University has resources to help, including an online form to report incidents of harassment and discrimination. Additionally, the CARE network provides assistance and can respond to bias-related incidents. The Office of Equity and Inclusion can connect individuals with resources and services, and the International Services Office serves as a resource for international students and scholars. The University Counseling Center is available for student support, and the Interfaith Chapel’s chaplains and religious community leaders can provide guidance and counsel. The University offers a number of additional relevant resources for faculty and staff, as well. Support may also be available at the individual school and unit level. We strive to be a supportive community for everyone.

We have lately seen too many instances of inhumanity and violence targeting Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. The same can be said of Black or LatinX or Jewish or LGBTQ individuals who have been similarly targeted simply because of who they are. Sadly, there are too many examples to delineate here. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have amplified and accelerated these issues by creating isolation that undermines our sense of belonging and responsibility to a larger community.

But that is not an excuse. We are all a part of this University community of learning and healing, a community established for the purpose of making the world “ever better” and committed to social justice. We must all act to embrace, engage, and support our beautifully diverse community with compassion and understanding. We are surely stronger and better together than we are apart.

In solidarity,
Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
President
G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor

Mercedes Ramírez Fernández
Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer

Jane Gatewood
Vice Provost for Global Engagement