Statement on Ongoing Anti-Asian Violence: Supporting Our Community
A message from Dr. Renée T. White, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Melanie F. Hart, Senior Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice and Chief Diversity Officer
To The New School Community,
We unequivocally condemn the ongoing and increased manifestations of anti-Asian violence, harassment, and racism in New York City and across the country. These violent acts reflect a history of prejudice and discrimination toward Asian and Asian American communities in the United States.
We honor the memories of Christina Yuna Lee, Michelle Go, and all victims of racial violence who senselessly lost their lives and have been harmed due to hate. We know that the true scale and personal toll of these acts go well beyond the cases that receive media attention, and the all-too-fleeting moments of public outrage that ensue.
Sadly, these are not new issues. We have been here before and have issued statements to the same. And while The New School must not be silent in the face of pervasive and persistent issues of racism and violence, we know that to help disrupt the insidious and violent nature of racism and all forms of hate against marginalized communities, and to help support and heal our community, we must do more than offer statements of solidarity. As an institution of higher education, we will work to help educate and support our community. As an institution in New York City, we will contribute our tools and resources to build a more just community within and beyond The New School. As an international institution, we must be heard in leading the call for an end to racism and the violent acts and policies that it engenders.
The Provost’s Office and the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice are working across the university on policies and practices to build a more safe, equitable, just, and inclusive community. From pedagogy to programming, we are using the tools at our avail to impact the lives of our community and disrupt discrimination, violence, and stratification based upon identity. There is more to be done.
As an example of our efforts, the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice and Office of Government and External Affairs will convene neighboring institutions to work collaboratively on a more systemic approach to community safety that considers the complex, nuanced, and intersectional lens that is required to advance community safety. Further, the Office will convene a university-wide Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice committee, which will focus on issues of safety, inclusion, and equity.
In addition to supporting the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice in its endeavors, the Provost’s Office has identified as a key goal expanding our capacity for and use of EISJ principles in curriculum development, pedagogy, hiring practices, and programming. The Provost will work with the Executive Deans and the Provost’s Council to devise a university-wide series of tangible and measurable EISJ goals that will be achieved in the 2022-23 academic year. This will include intensive training for all senior leadership.
We continue to call upon our community to come together to support one another. Included in this message is a list of resources and support for students, staff, and faculty. We encourage you to reach out to any of the university offices or 24/7 crisis lines listed below for support. In addition to these services, we encourage you to visit the Anti-Violence Resource page for a list of community resources.
Resources
Support Resources for Students
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.
Office of the University Ombudsperson
The Office of the University Ombudsperson is a safe, confidential space where you can have an off-the-record conversation about your experience or concerns and explore your options for moving forward.
Counseling at Student Health Services (SHS)
If you are experiencing distress and would like to talk, Student Health Services offers short-term individual therapy, psychiatry, mindfulness sessions, and specialized support groups. You can schedule your initial appointment online, email SHS@newschool.edu to make an appointment, or join one of the two support groups led by Student Health Services staff that meet virtually every week.
Student Support and Advocacy (SSA)
If you need additional assistance, please reach out to Student Support and Advocacy, who are here to support students with a broad range of personal challenges. Reach out to get connected to services both on and off-campus at studentsupport@newschool.edu.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
ISSS advising staff are available to offer support and discuss student concerns. You can schedule an appointment through Starfish, attend our drop-In hours on Tuesdays from 2:00-3:30 pm (ET) and Fridays from 10:00-11:30 am (ET), email iss@newschool.edu, or call 212.229.5592.
Campus Safety
Campus Safetystaff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies on campus. Call 212.229.7001.
Campus Safety App
The New School Campus Safety app provides instant access to campus safety resources such as Friend Walk—a feature that lets you share your location in real-time with a friend. Download the app.
Residence Hall Staff
Students who live in the residence halls can reach out to residence hall staff at universityhousing@newschool.edu or contact their Resident Assistant (RA) 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 during your time at the university.
24/7 Crisis Support Resources
- 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, and Fujianese are offered)
Support Resources for Faculty and Staff
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.
University Ombudsperson
The Office of the University Ombudsperson is a safe, confidential space where you can have an off-the-record conversation about your experience or concerns and explore your options for moving forward.
Employee Assistance Program
Employees can seek additional support through the Employee Assistance Program.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies on campus. Call 212.229.7001.
Campus Safety App
The New School Campus Safety app provides instant access to campus safety resources, such as Friend Walk—a feature that lets you share your location in real-time with a friend. Download the app.
24/7 Crisis Support Resources
- 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, and Fujianese are offered)