Supporting the Asian American community

Dear Campus Community,

We categorically condemn the recent incidences of violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans, many of which have been disgracefully targeted toward the elderly. There has been a dramatic escalation of these attacks in the last year, both across the country as well as here in North Carolina. We are committed to supporting the Asian American community and engaging the wider community through the work of Carolina’s Asian American Center and encourage you to access the resources and events that the center provides. Education and engagement are powerful forces in combating the stereotypes and bias that contribute to these attacks.

Carolina is unified and steadfast in its commitment to celebrate and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are proud to care for one another, provide for each other’s well-being, and build a community where everyone, regardless of identity or background, can enjoy a sense of safety and belonging. Anyone facing the threat of violence should contact Campus Safety/Campus Police at (919) 962-8100. We also want to remind you of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct, which 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.

This uptick in hate crimes weighs heavily on mental health as community members fear for their own safety or that of loved ones and friends. We encourage our campus community to seek help and support:

• Students, including graduate and professional students and post-docs, can connect with our various University support resources, including the Dean of Students team, Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Wellness
• Employees, including faculty and staff, can reach out to EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

We stand in unity with our Asian American community and denounce hatred, bigotry and racism in all its forms.

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 & Inclusion, Interim Chief Diversity Officer