Dear School of Pharmacy Community,
We are horrified at the murder of eight people in Atlanta this recently – a shocking crime that seems clearly motivated by hate, racism and misogyny. This news is particularly distressing given the rise in violence and racism targeting Asians, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. We recognize that many in the School community are concerned for their own safety, and for the welfare of their friends and loved ones. We stand with you today and every day in firm opposition to racism and violence, which has cost the lives and threatened the well-being of countless people of color, including members of the Black, Indigenous, Latinx and Asian-American & Pacific Islander communities. In light of these tragic circumstances, we echo and fully support the message of President Cauce, who addressed the trend of anti-Asian violence, and the Atlanta killings, on her recent blog.
If you are feeling stress and anxiety at this time, we remind you of resources available to help. Students, whether in the Pharm.D. or graduate programs, can access help through “Let’s Talk” or the UW Counseling Center. Within the School, PharmD students should feel free to contact Student Services, and graduate students should reach out to their respective Graduate Program Advisors and Coordinators. Staff and faculty can access help via CareLink and should feel free to reach out to their Chairs and supervisors. A more extensive list of Seattle-area resources, collated by the local chapter of the Japanese Americans Citizens League, is attached to this email.
To borrow from President Cauce’ words “This moment in the ongoing COVID crisis presents new challenges — the end feels especially close, but the risks have not abated. In the final miles of this race, we are exhausted, mentally and emotionally, but we can persevere in the same way that we’ve come this far: by caring and showing compassion for ourselves, our community and our whole human family.”
We encourage you to reach out to each other, to check in on colleagues, peers and students, and lend each other support and solidarity. Even when we are physically distanced, we trust that our community can be a source of strength and comfort to those who need it.
Sincerely,
Sean D. Sullivan, PhD
Professor and Dean
Abhi Nath, PhD
Associate Professor
Co-Chair, DEI Council
Kelly Campbell
Assistant Dean
Co-Chair, DEI Council