Violence Against Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Communities
A message from President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D, on March 19, 2021.
Dear Merrimack College Community –
Violence and prejudice directed at members of Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities (AAPI) have been on the rise, escalating as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. These horrendous acts go against Merrimack College’s core values of building and nurturing a culturally, racially diverse community, anchored in intersectional justice and respect for all identities and differences.
The entire Merrimack community mourns the recent loss of innocent lives in Atlanta; we condemn all acts of violence motivated by prejudice and stand in solidarity with the AAPI community. At this difficult moment in our Nation’s history, we must stand together to affirm our institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will continue to invest in nurturing an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and supported.
To the Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander members of our community: we stand with you in friendship and support. Our values and actions – and how we treat one another – define who we are as a community. We encourage all members of the Merrimack community to continue to model the actions of a just society.
On Monday, March 22 at Noon we will gather for a virtual community forum designed to offer healing, safety and to discuss the rise of anti-Asian violence during COVID-19 and reflect on how Merrimack College can be a part of positive change.
Register for Virtual Community Forum
Finally, I remind all members of our community that Merrimack College offers a range of resources for any member of our community who is experiencing anxiety, stress or harassment as a result of prejudice. These resources are available to you at any time. These resources include:
Counseling Center
(counseling@merrimack.edu or 978-837-5444)
Offers 24/7 confidential mental health and therapy services. These include services with on-campus counselors and through the BeWell@MC 24/7 Support Link.
Residence Life
(reslife@merrimack.edu or 978-837-5507)
Offers 24/7 support to students who are living on-campus. There are Resident Advisors and professional staff members here to support you.
Student Involvement
(osi@merrimack.edu or 978-837-5508)
Offers engagement opportunities for students and is the home for our affinity student organizations.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative
(diversity@merrimack.edu)
Offers educational opportunities and resources on nurturing a sense of community and belonging with an unwavering commitment to and respect for diversity and the plurality of identities and experiences.
Campus Ministry
(campusmin@merrimack.edu)
Helps Merrimack students develop spiritually and become more self-aware, compassionate, responsible and ethical leaders.
Dean of Students
(deanofstudents@merrimack.edu or 978-837-5175)
Provides students with resources, services and opportunities to get involved in community building and wellness on campus.
Merrimack Campus Police Department
(978-837-5555)
Offers 24/7 support to ensure that our community and students are healthy and safe.
Merrimack will continue to fulfill its promises to promote inclusivity and diversity across its campus and the world. We will continue to engage our students, faculty and staff in ongoing conversations and will continue to spread our message of hope and change.
Thank you for your continued efforts to nurture tolerance at Merrimack. Together we can continue and work together to make our communities more inclusive, peaceful and just.
Best,
President Hopey
