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University News

Message from campus leaders on recent expressions of racism related to COVID-19

As a University, Carolina denounces and condemns any anti-Chinese, Chinese American or Asian prejudice. This behavior is inconsistent with Carolina’s commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Bell Tower
Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Dear Carolina community,

At Carolina, we pride ourselves on having a campus community in which everyone feels a sense of belonging. This is evident in our recently launched strategic plan  — Carolina Next, and the very first stated initiative — Build our Community Together.

Sadly, we are aware there have been instances of racism and xenophobic animosity against Chinese, Chinese American and Asian people across the country related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of our own community have encountered these types of comments as well. As a University, we oppose and denounce all prejudice. This behavior is inconsistent with Carolina’s values, which are to celebrate and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and their benefits, as well as to care for one another and provide for each other’s well-being.

Carolina is steadfast in its commitment to these values, and our continued efforts to build a community where everyone, regardless of identity and background, can enjoy a sense of belonging and safety. We want to remind you that the UNC Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected-class identity. We encourage all members of the campus community who have experienced harassing or discriminatory treatment based on any protected identity to contact the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office for reporting options and additional resources.

We also encourage you to reach out to the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion, which is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive campus community.

Though we may find ourselves separated physically during these difficult and uncertain times, remember Carolina is still one community, and each member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. No matter the distance between us, we all play an important role in building a caring diverse, equitable and inclusive Carolina community together.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Chancellor

Robert A. Blouin
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Sibby Anderson-Thompkins
Special Advisor to the Chancellor and Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Interim Chief Diversity Officer 

Becci Menghini
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Equal Opportunity and Compliance