Dear Monmouth University Community:
Over the past several months, our nation has experienced an intolerable and sharply growing level of hatred and bias directed towards our Asian, Asian American, Desi, and Pacific Islander communities, amplified by yesterday’s fatal shootings in Atlanta. These incidences of racially-charged verbal and physical attacks have increased significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, although the anti-Asian sentiments of today echo in our nation’s past. I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out in care and support of our campus community.
In keeping with our commitment to building a more antiracist community, Monmouth University firmly denounces racially motivated and xenophobic acts of harassment and violence, and proudly stands in solidarity with our Asian, Asian American, Desi, and Pacific Islander community members. I want to encourage all members of the campus community to intervene as active bystanders when you witness bias, to continue to stay informed about the world around us, and to listen authentically to one another across lines of difference about our lived experiences and shared humanity.
If you are in need of support through this tragedy, please know that Counseling and Psychological Services is available both remotely and in person. And if you think you have experienced, witnessed, or learned about bias or discrimination on campus, you can report the incident directly to MUPD, the Office of Equity and Diversity, or the Office of Student Life, or you can report the incident anonymously online.
We must continue to uphold our institutional commitment to antiracism, as well as our institutional values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thank you for your individual and collective efforts to ensure that Monmouth University continues to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus where all feel safe, valued, and respected.
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President