News 2021: Condemning Anti-Asian Bigotry and Violence

Chancellor Fuller remarks on the deeply disturbing nationwide trend of increasing harassment and violence directed towards people of Asian descent

Dear Members of the UMass Dartmouth Community,

Tuesday night’s horrific shootings near Atlanta, Georgia, amid a deeply disturbing nationwide trend of increasing harassment and violence directed towards people of Asian descent, have understandably escalated fears among the Asian American community.

In moments when we are dismayed to witness bigotry and hatred, it is all the more important to reaffirm UMass Dartmouth’s unwavering commitment to creating a living and learning community that is inclusive and equitable, and one in which the individual dignity and potential of each of its members are respected and celebrated.

On behalf of the entire university, I want to express our warm support of all our students, faculty and staff who identify as Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander. If you have experienced identity-based harassment, please know that we have many resources to help. Students can report bias incidents via our Community Standards reporting forms. Organizations such as stopAAPIhate.org also collect information about incidents of harassment and provide resources to promote safety and advocacy.

If you’d like to speak with someone about this issue, students are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center (508.999.8648) or Student Affairs (508.999.8640). For faculty and staff, please call Human Resources (508.999.8060) and take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling. EAP benefits may be accessed by calling 844.393.4983 or by visiting their website and entering our company ID: UMASS to speak to a counseling professional.

As we enjoy these final weeks of the semester together, let’s be kind to one another, promote a climate of inclusion and mutual respect, and support all members of our vibrant and diverse Corsair family.

Best,

Mark

Mark A. Fuller, PhD

Interim Chancellor

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth