UMD Calls for Solidarity With Asian, Asian American Communities

Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Georgina Dodge and Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Perillo sent the following email to the campus community today:

Since the beginning of the pandemic there has been a surge in anti-Asian sentiment, spurred in part by racists intent on creating a human enemy rather than confronting the virus. In recent weeks, there have been increased national reports of violence directed toward Asian and Asian American people. Individuals have been attacked and, tragically, even killed, while Asian businesses have been vandalized or destroyed.

Any act of hostility or bias toward members of our Asian and Asian American communities is unacceptable. Hearing about the increased bias and violence is likely to cause added fear and stress. Please know there are campus resources available to support our community, and we encourage you to make use of them:

• Report hate or bias to Bias Incident Support Services (BISS), which focuses on the needs and healing of affected parties. To learn more about what happens when you submit a bias report, view the BISS protocol.
• Report harassment to the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct.
• Learn about the roots of COVID-19 anti-Asian racism with this website created by students in “Introduction to Asian American Studies,” together with the Asian American Studies Program and Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy.
• Seek support and resources from campus departments, including Diversity Training and Education, International Student and Scholar Services, the Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy, UMD's chaplains, the Asian American Studies Program, the Faculty Staff Assistance Program and the Counseling Center.

We condemn the attacks on Asian and Asian American individuals and communities at the same time that we speak out against the harm done to so many identity groups for centuries. Let's unite and support members of the Asian and Asian American communities throughout this pandemic and beyond.

Sincerely,

Georgina Dodge
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
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Patty Perillo
Vice President for Student Affairs
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