In support of the AAPI community
Dear DU community,
Over the course of the past year, anti-Asian racism and targeted incidents of violence against the Asian and Pacific Islander community have been on the rise. Last night in Atlanta, eight people were killed, six of whom were Asian American and seven of whom were women. Investigations into the killings are ongoing, but it is just one of thousands of violent incidents affecting the Asian community recorded since March 2020.
In an already tremendously difficult moment in time, this intolerable behavior and rhetoric has increased stress and fear. These continued incidents are not only forms of anti-Asian racism, but also misogyny, as well as continuing anti-immigrant sentiments. The University of Denver stands in solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander community and unequivocally denounces hatred, racism and discrimination in all its forms.
Should you see any attempts to perpetuate physical or emotional violence, please report it to Campus Safety by calling 303-871-2334. You may also wish to file a report through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX by using the report form.
We are also organizing a virtual space for gathering and solidarity tonight at 6 p.m. We encourage everyone who needs support or who wants to join in solidary to attend here.
Additional University resources available for our community include:
| • | The Health & Counseling Center (HCC) provides many tele-medical and mental health services, including crisis and after-hours support. All University of Denver students have access to free crisis services at the HCC, regardless of insurance coverage (303-871-2205). |
| • | Employee Assistance Program: SupportLinc is the University’s employee assistance program. DU employees and their family members can access counseling and receive professional referrals to other experts. Call 1-888-881-LINC (5462) or log in to the SupportLinc website with username: universityofdenver. |
| • | Student Outreach & Support is a University resource where trained staff members ensure that students are connected to appropriate campus resources, have a plan of action to meet their goals and learn how to navigate challenging situations. You can activate these services by completing an SOS Referral at sos.du.edu or by calling 303-871-2400. |
| • | The Cultural Center creates an environment where students of marginalized faiths and LGBTQ+ students can critically engage their historical legacies while enhancing their educational, intellectual and personal/professional interests as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic and cultural sensibilities, while providing a physical safe haven for respite and dialogue as they navigate their journey at DU. |
| • | Inclusion and Equity Education provides readymade workshops, including introduction to Inclusive Excellence, Responding to Microaggressions, Introduction to Dialogue Skills and Queer & Ally (Q&A) Trainings. These and custom sessions can be scheduled for classes, offices and organizations. |
| • | The Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Empowerment (CAPE) supports survivor healing by providing advocacy and support for survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment. A 24/7 counselor on call is available at 303 871-2205. |
| • | The International Student Support Program (SSP) is free to use and offers online resources and international student support counselors that can help you while studying in the United States. You can connect with an international student counselor who speaks your language, understands your culture and can help you address the unique challenges you face when studying in another country. |
Finally, we are providing a helpful resource guide to Colorado AAPI Anti-Hate Community Resources should you look to engage beyond campus.
Acts of hate have no place on our campus or in our community. We are steadfast in our commitment to the public good and to creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive community.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor
Mary Clark, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Todd Adams, Vice Chancellor for Student Life
Jerron Lowe, Interim Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
Tom Romero, Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion