Dear VPA Community:
I am saddened and deeply concerned by the reports of racist graffiti found in Day Hall and wanted to reaffirm VPA’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Behavior or language that degrades any individual or group’s race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, disability, or religious beliefs will never be tolerated within VPA or anywhere on campus for that matter. Our VPA community must always feel safe, engaged, connected, and supported in our classrooms, studios, performance and exhibition venues, and administrative offices. We will always strive in everything we do to create that environment.
The University offers many resources to support campus community members. I have listed these below and encourage you to use them. In addition, please know that you can contact me () or Professor James Haywood Rolling Jr., VPA’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (), to discuss any additional concerns you may have.
- Students seeking counseling services may contact the Barnes Center at The Arch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 315.443.8000. Additional services are provided by the Dean of Students Office, Monday through Friday, by calling 315.443.4357.
- In addition, students can visit the STOP Bias website to report or receive support for bias-related incidents.
- For faculty and staff, assistance is available through Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Trained clinicians are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached at 800.437.0911.
- For additional support and services, the campus community may contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901.
Sincerely,
Dean Michael S. Tick