March 19 Message from the Division of Student Life

March 19, 2021

To the Villanova Community,

The country has experienced heightened cases of bias and injustice directed toward the Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities in recent months. In wake of the Atlanta shootings, the Division of Student Life reiterates that we stand against injustice of any kind. We stand in solidarity with the statements offered by SGA and campus partners in support of AAPI students, faculty and staff.

Xenophobia, racism and anti-Asian rhetoric or behaviors have no place at Villanova University. We must join together in supporting and validating all members of the AAPI community to assure a Villanova community where all persons are equally valued. If any student experiences incidents of bias on campus, we urge you to report these acts to your resident assistant, a Villanova Staff member, or Public Safety. You may also file a report through EthicsPoint, a confidential Internet and telephone-based reporting tool for all Villanova faculty, staff and students.

The Division of Student Life works collaboratively with the AAPI community to make our campus one that prioritizes safety, inclusion and belonging. These ideals align with our Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas. The Counseling Center and Campus Ministry staff are available for students in need of additional support in processing these acts of violence.

In the coming weeks, the Student Life Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will create opportunities for AAPI students to share their experiences as Villanovans through outreach to student organizations and community forums. Please email studentlife@villanova.edu if you would like to be involved in these initiatives.

Sincerely,

The Division of Student Life Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee