Statement on Anti-Asian Violence: Supporting our Community
A message from Xenia Markowitt, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success, and Shondrika Merritt, Senior Director for Student Advocacy and Assistant Dean of Students
Dear Students,
We are deeply troubled by the mass shooting in Atlanta last week and want to acknowledge the pain and fear that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people continue to experience with the increase in anti-Asian harassment, racism, and violence across the country. At The New School, we strongly condemn this behavior and are deeply committed to ensuring an academic environment in which every member of our community feels safe, heard, and respected. Anti-Asian rhetoric and violence will not be tolerated and all of us must do our part to help ensure our campus remains a healthy and safe place to learn and work.
If you are experiencing grief or distress, have witnessed or experienced bias or harassment (online, on campus, or where you live), please reach out to any of the university offices or 24/7 crisis lines listed below. Your New School community stands with you, and we will continue to prioritize your safety and wellbeing.
New School Support Resources
Reporting Bias, Bigotry, and Harassment
If any member of our community experiences or observes an incident that harms them or someone else, please file a report. Students can also raise a bias flag in Starfish.
Community Processing Sessions
In light of the increase in anti-Asian violence across the country, Student Success will be hosting virtual community processing sessions on Thursday, March 25 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT and Monday, March 29 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. EDT for students, faculty, and staff who wish to share their feelings, connect with others, and learn about tools for self-care and responding to street harassment. All members of our community are invited to attend.
Counseling at Student Health Services (SHS)
Counselors at Student Health Services are available for virtual telecounseling if you would like to talk. Visit shsportal.newschool.edu to make an appointment.
Student Support and Advocacy (SSA)
Student Support and Advocacy staff are here to help you with a broad range of non-academic challenges and can help you find support resources. Email studentsupport@newschool.edu to schedule a virtual appointment.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
International Student and Scholar Services advising staff are available to offer support and discuss student concerns. You can schedule an appointment through Starfish or email iss@newschool.edu.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies on campus. Call 212.229.7001.
Residence Hall Staff
Students who live in the residence halls can reach out to residence hall staff at universityhousing@newschool.edu or contact their Community Resident Assistant (CRA) to talk or get connected to campus and community resources.
Academic Advisors
Your academic advisor is available to discuss your academic plan and direct you to support services that meet your needs. Find yours on Starfish.
Academic Deans
Your dean’s office can help guide you through academic and other concerns.
24/7 Crisis Support Resources
- Call 911 in the U.S. for help during life-threatening emergencies
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US/Canada)
- NYC Well: Text WELL to 65173 or call 1-888-692-9355 (over 200 languages available)
- Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Asian Lifenet Hotline: 1-877-990-8585 (Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Fujianese are offered)
In addition to these support services, we encourage all students to visit the Anti-Violence Resources page of the Student Resource Hub for a list of community resources.
We hope that you will look to your New School and local communities for comfort and assistance during these challenging times. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We wish you a safe and healthy remainder of the semester.