In light of the shootings in Atlanta last week and other recent violent acts against Asian Americans and others of Asian descent, starting today, the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Division of Access, Diversity and Inclusion, under the capable leadership of Vice President Ra’Sheda Boddie Forbes, is providing the following support and resources:
- Let’s Talk drop-in sessions on Monday, March 22ndÌýat 4 p.m.Ìý This session is FREE and open to all currently registered students.Ìý It provides one-on-one support and consultation with a clinician from our Student Counseling Center and is sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.
- Tea Talk session on Friday, March 26thÌýat 2 p.m.Ìý This session will serve as a group session for those looking to process this week’s event in a community setting.Ìý For more information about participating please contact Kei Mamiya atÌýkmamiya@saffairs.msstate.edu.Ìý
- Virtual walk-in sessions with Student Counseling Services.Ìý Open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ìý For more information go toÌý.Ìý
- Virtual Vigil hosted by the staff and students of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center (more details to be released soon).Ìý
We have students, faculty, and staff from countries around the world. We have students, faculty, and staff from every race, of many different languages, and of many different religions. But we all come together here as Bulldogs, and our diversity empowers our campus and our larger community in a very special way.
As I have stated many times, diversity empowers and enriches any institution and the individuals within it. It gives us the opportunity to communicate, to know one another, and to displace fear and prejudice with understanding and respect.
We are proud of the work we are doing at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ to be a leader for greater equity, justice, tolerance, and reconciliation. As an institution of higher learning, we are committed to being a leader in these areas. We will not tolerate racism of any sort against any people.
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Mark E. Keenum, President
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