March 17, 2021
Dear OU Family,
It’s with deep sadness and horror that we write today in response to the recent upsurge in anti-Asian violence and discrimination. Yesterday’s murders in the Atlanta area are the most recent reminder of appalling acts of violence that have disparately affected the Asian community both historically and throughout the course of the pandemic. The marked rise in acts of anti-Asian hatred and violence – which have often targeted women – is deplorable. We condemn these repulsive acts of racialized and gender-based violence and stand with the Asian and Asian-American members of our OU community.
Xenophobia and racism have no place at OU. We are committed to being a community of care and true belonging for all people. We call upon all members of the OU community to continue to reject hatred and violence and strive instead for empathy, understanding, and compassion for all people.
Please remember, OU’s counseling center remains open and can provide services by phone or Zoom. Counselors can be reached at (405) 325-2911 (Norman), (405) 271-7336 (HSC), or (918) 660-3109 (Tulsa) to make an appointment.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
Dr. Scott Fritzen
Dean, David L. Boren College of International Studies
Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Jill Irvine
Interim Senior Vice President and Provost, Norman Campus
Dr. Jason Sanders
Senior Vice President and Provost, OU Health Sciences Center
Dr. David A. Surratt
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
