Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
We are writing in sadness and outrage following horrifying attacks outside of Atlanta, Georgia, in which eight people – six of whom were women of Asian descent – were murdered. One Latino man was also injured. These attacks are only the most recent instances of an increase in hate crimes and harassment against Asian Americans, especially magnified during the pandemic. We condemn this and all anti-Asian and hate-based violence and commit to maintaining safety at Bryn Mawr for all community members and their guests. Our actions toward racial justice on campus and beyond must continue to be a priority.
We mourn the loss of these eight people and acknowledge that these attacks are experienced by each of us differently. Members of our community who identify as Asian or Asian-American, those who identify as women or as other marginalized gender identities, may feel especially targeted, vulnerable, and angry. Many feel exhausted by the rising hate crimes and anti-Asian sentiment that has taken root during the pandemic; others are weary of the vigilance they keep in fear of sexually motivated attacks. For many of us, the pain of gender- and race-based violence can be lasting, even when the specter of immediate threat is over.
We also remind everyone, particularly students, of resources and supports that are available. To support students, Pensby will be holding a virtual support session on Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. via Zoom; Counseling Services will be holding a support session on Friday at 4:00 p.m. Students can contact Pensby and/or Counseling Services for more information. Students are also encouraged to reach out to their deans; Counseling Services; Title IX Officer Kim Taylor; or our Associate Dean for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Life, Ann-Therese Ortíz. These resources are available for all students whether studying remotely or in person.
For members of the community who would like to share other opportunities for connection and support, we invite you to reach out to Ann-Therese, who will be happy to help promote them through Pensby. Faculty and staff may also access support through the College’s Employee Assistance Program.
Finally, we want to reassure members of our community that our Campus Safety team remains vigilant in protecting our community. We are committed to creating safe spaces required for study, work, and living, and we thank each of you for sharing in that commitment.
With much care and respect,
Kim Cassidy, President
Jennifer Walters, Dean of the Undergraduate College
Ann-Therese Ortíz, Associate Dean for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Life