March 5, 2021
To the Duke Community,
I am outraged at the recent and ongoing violence against Asians, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders in communities across the country. I resoundingly condemn this horrific activity—and the terrible hate and xenophobia behind it.
Our first concern, as always, is for the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and neighbors. To that end, Duke has robust counseling and support services available through Student Affairs and Human Resources. Likewise, if you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or bias, please contact the Office for Institutional Equity to consider the various ways in which the university can respond. I urge you to take advantage of these resources if you are in need of help.
As I reflect on the past few years, I find it deeply troubling to have cause to send these messages so frequently—whether in response to incidents of hatred around the world or in our own backyard. At the same time, I have faith in our ability as a Duke community to realize a more inclusive and equitable campus and world, one that reflects our missions of service, discovery, and mutual respect.
Today, as we stand together with our Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander colleagues, classmates, friends, and neighbors, we do so as members of a Duke family that is more united than ever before. Let us condemn together this violence and hatred in all its forms, and renew our commitments to work together toward justice and inclusion for our nation and the world.
Very best wishes,
Vince