From President and Chancellors: Affirming Our Asian Community

March 11, 2021

Members of the Rutgers Community:

We are deeply troubled by the rising anti-Asian sentiment and increasingly violent hate crimes targeting the Asian community. These heinous acts cannot be ignored, and our hearts go out to the victims of these crimes, and all members of the Asian community who find themselves questioning their basic safety during an already distressing time. Harm deliberately inflicted on members of any community is an offense felt by all people of conscience. We strongly denounce these acts and all forms of xenophobia, bigotry, and racism, and we stand in solidarity with our Asian community at Rutgers and around the world.

These latest incidents of intolerance add to an increasingly visible and disturbing history of hate in America in the past few years. As an academic community, we should always remember that we are here to learn and grow, and these incidents, as troubling as they are, can offer us an opportunity for a deeper discussion of the reasons underlying rising hate and the need for resilience. In that spirit, we invite you to participate in a conversation on “Unpacking Hate,” sponsored by the office of the Senior Vice President for Equity. To learn more and to register for this event, please visit https://diversity.rutgers.edu/unpackhate. 

At Rutgers, we recognize we are not immune from the challenges facing our broader society. We encourage members of our Asian community, as we do other targeted communities, to report any acts of hate as we work to build an inclusive culture. For more details on how to report and where to find sources of support please review below the myriad of resources and offices available to assist students, faculty, and staff.

Please know that we are here for you and that we support you.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Holloway, President
Nancy Cantor, Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark
Margaret Marsh, Interim Chancellor, Rutgers University–Camden
Christopher Molloy, Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Brian Strom, Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

Bias Reporting and Counseling/Wellness Services for Students

• Rutgers–Camden: Dean of Students, Student Wellness Center Psychological and Counseling Services
• Rutgers–Newark: Dean of Students, Counseling Center
• Rutgers–New Brunswick: Dean of Students, Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
• Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences: Student Affairs units within the respective schools, University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) Student Wellness Program
• Well-Being Resources for Students

Bias Reporting and Counseling/Wellness Services for Faculty and Staff

• Rutgers University Office of Employment Equity
• Rutgers University Human Resources Wellness Resources
• Rutgers4U is a confidential support line to offer emotional and therapeutic support during and following the COVID-19 pandemic to Rutgers staff, faculty members, and their families. Access the support line by calling 1-855-652-6819.
• Well-being Resources for Rutgers Faculty and Staff