University Expresses Support for Asian, and Pacific Islander Communities

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – National news reports offer disturbing accounts of violent acts committed upon various communities all too often. Just this week, news accounts about a tragedy at an Atlanta spa hit many in our community close to home, especially in light of reported upticks in bias and hate crimes against Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

"We want to make sure that these communities know that the University of Arkansas condemns these acts and that we are here to support our students, faculty and staff," Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz said. "The increase in violence and other acts of hatred targeted toward Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic is extremely troubling."

In addition to expressing support for the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, which may be especially impacted by this week's news, the university would like to remind our entire community about the many resources available to support and assist.

• The Employee Assistance Program, provides free and confidential assistance to employees.
• Counseling and Psychological Services is available for students via Pat Walker Health Center.
• The university takes seriously and responds to all reports submitted via report.uark.edu and encourages the community to report incidents of discriminatory harassment. 

"Please know, remember, share and most importantly, take advantage of the many University of Arkansas community programs designed to help our community — while we provide support for one another," Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor for the division of diversity, equity and inclusion, said.

Both the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance can also be viewed as resources to help people find campus resource centers, employee resource groups and learn to become more adept and creating more inclusive environments.

"All these efforts are designed to support our commitment to providing an inclusive learning and working environment that inspires thought, creativity and growth," Danielle L. Williams, assistant vice chancellor and director, office of equal opportunity and compliance, said. "Always, but especially in times like this, we must emphasize our commitment to inclusion so that our entire campus community always feels supported."