Support for our Community Regarding Anti-Asian Violence and Racism


March 17, 2021

Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,

The recent violence and discrimination against the Asian community in America is a reminder of the pervasive, dangerous nature of racism in our society. We are deeply appalled and troubled by these vicious incidents.

  We are so proud of our talented, diverse Asian community here at Penn Medicine, and we know that many are hurting in light of these terrible acts. Right now, we would like to send our heartfelt support for any Asian faculty, staff, or students that have experienced racism, and assure you that your safety remains our top priority.

At Penn Medicine, we have the power to come together to work for change. So, now more than ever, we ask you to support one another and reaffirm our shared commitment to racial justice.

 Please read more in the message below from Penn President Amy Gutmann, Provost Wendell Pritchett and Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli.

 

J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD

Dean, Perelman School of Medicine

Executive Vice President for the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System

 

Kevin B. Mahoney

CEO, University of Pennsylvania Health System

 

A Message to the Penn Community

Regarding Violence and Anti-Asian Hate Incidents

from

Amy Gutmann, President

Wendell Pritchett, Provost

Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our country has witnessed an alarming and deeply troubling surge of violence, hatred and discrimination directed at Asians and Asian Americans. We write today to denounce this appalling prejudice and to assure our students, faculty, staff and postdocs of Asian descent that Penn is unwavering in our commitment to providing you with a safe, welcoming and supportive campus environment.

 We are enormously proud of the large, vibrant, and diverse Asian community at Penn. We are equally proud of the myriad contributions our Asian community make to the striking success of our University. Penn has numerous programs aimed at supporting our international and Asian American students. Just this past year, we formed a Task Force on Support for Asian and Asian American Students and Scholars to coordinate and enhance support to members of the Penn community experiencing increased stigma, bias, discrimination, and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage all members of the Penn community to join the Task Force’s #FlattenTheHate Campaign. You can find information about important support resources and read about the campaign and the important work of the Task Force here: https://global.upenn.edu/global-initiatives/task-force-support-asian-and-asian-american-students-scholars

Please be assured that among our highest priorities is ensuring the safety of all our students, faculty and staff while fostering a campus community that is rich in our diversity, respect, and tolerance for all groups from every nationality, religion, race, creed, and sexual orientation. We cannot state more clearly or forcefully that we will not tolerate discrimination, hatred, intimidation, or violence that is directed at any member of our University community.

  Sadly, we know that discrimination against Asians in America is not a recent development. At this time of great stress for Asian citizens and visitors across the country, we want those of Asian descent who are part of our Penn community to know that we stand strongly and proudly with you. We are committed to working together to address this racism and hatred. We are grateful that you are part of our university community, and we offer our full support at this most difficult and trying time.

 RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

 If you have any doubt about where to turn, Penn’s HELP Line is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, at 215-898-HELP.

 CAPS: 215-898-7021

Student Health Service: 215-746-3535

Student Intervention Services: 215-898-6081

Office of the Chaplain: 215-898-8456

Weingarten Learning Resources Center: 215-573-9235 a

Special Services (within Division of Public Safety): 215-898-6600

Employee Assistance Program: 866-799-2329

International Student and Scholar Services: 215-898-4661

Pan Asian American Community House: (PAACH): 215-746-6046