Message from the President: Tragedy in Atlanta

Dear students, faculty and staff:

On Tuesday, in Georgia, a white gunman murdered seven women and one man at three spas and wounded yet another man. Six of the women murdered were of Asian descent. Despite the denials of the gunman and an ongoing investigation, these brutal and heinous killings point to an ongoing and troubling escalation of hate and violence toward Asian and Asian American communities throughout our country. Locally, reports of Anti-Asian violence have tripled from 2019-2020 in Philadelphia, fueled by bigotry, xenophobia, misogyny and pervasive systemic racism. Many Asians and Asian Americans now fear for their basic safety amid an already unduly stressful time. The increase in anti-Asian sentiment is appalling, and I write to you today to affirm that University of the Arts stands in solidarity with our Asian community. We will not tolerate discrimination, hate or violence directed at any member of our community.

There is nothing acceptable about these continued atrocities and violent, dehumanizing acts driven by racism, misogyny, bigotry and hatred that exist in our society.

To our students, faculty and staff who are Asian and/or of Asian descent, please know that you are UArts, and we stand with and for you. University of the Arts is deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive community. We are here to support those who are threatened and urge all members of our community to report any incidents of hatred as we continue to work together to dismantle racism on our campus, as well as throughout our society.

Sincerely,

David Yager

Resources & Support

• To file a report: uarts.edu/concern or call 215-717-6666.

• Counseling is available to provide support as students process this hateful incident. Email counseling@uarts.edu.

• The Office of International Student Programs is available for cultural, intercultural resources, and support.

• The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee seeks to further our core value of Integrity & Diversity, and offers a range of resources and pathways for engagement.

• Follow Stop AAPI Hate to learn about their approach to addressing anti-AAPI crimes, reporting incidents, and advocating to lawmakers.

• Visit Asian Arts Initiative, a Philadelphia-based multidisciplinary arts center that uses art as a vehicle to explore the diverse experiences of all communities that include Asian Americans.