Standing Against Asian American and Pacific Islander Hate
Dear UMB Community;
We join the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community in mourning the victims of this week’s horrific shootings in Atlanta. We know that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are facing markedly increased instances of hate. In fact, a recent report found that anti-Asian hate crimes have surged 150 percent over the past year in America’s largest cities.
There has been a sharp rise in anti-Asian racism, xenophobic and inflammatory statements, and hate crimes against the AAPI community. Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be a pandemic-level need for social justice in this country.
UMB stands with the AAPI community. Our work in becoming an anti-racist institution includes spending time understanding the historic and present-day issues that the AAPI community faces.
In addition, we must reiterate that UMB does not tolerate discrimination in any form toward any member of our community. We are committed to a culture that is enriched by diversity and inclusion, in the broadest sense, in our thoughts, actions, and leadership. If you experience or see any of this unacceptable behavior, please report it.
These are trying times, and I hope that you use the available resources of the Student Counseling Center or Employee Assistance Program if needed.
Together we must stand up against racism and hate. Only then will we be able to lean into the UMB mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, FCP
Dean of the School of Pharmacy
Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dean of the School of Nursing
Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW
Dean of the School of Social Work
E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine
Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD, MA
Dean of the School of Dentistry
Donald B. Tobin, JD
Dean of the Francis King Carey School of Law
Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA
Interim Provost, Executive Vice President, and Dean of the Graduate School
