March 27, 2021
We are Obligated to Take Action Against Racism
Welcome back to the start of the spring quarter.
We have passed into our second year, where COVID has held our attention. It has been a challenging year for everyone, and you’ve all done an admirable job of responding to ever-changing circumstances.
However, COVID isn’t our only challenge. In the past few weeks, we have watched senseless acts of violence end the lives of innocent people across the country. We have also witnessed the pain, anger, and fear felt in Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including faculty, staff, and students at the School of Nursing.
In partnership with Dr. Butch de Castro, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I want to strongly encourage you to be an active participant in today’s antiracism learning day The profession of nursing has an opportunity to be a leader in the antiracism effort, and we have an opportunity to be a leader among nursing schools nationally.
Being antiracist is a professional as well as a personal obligation. And we are all obligated to take action against racism, as we have in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. I ask those in the school community to express your needs and concerns and know how we can support you. For students experiencing fear or grief, please consider contacting TeResa Regan (resa@uw.edu), a licensed mental health counselor, for free, confidential counseling services. You may also reach out to SafeCampus (206-685-7233) or the UW Counseling Center (866-743-7732) — both are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. UW employees can access counseling and mental health resources at UW CareLink.
I also ask you to continue to stand up to harassment and speak out against violence. Express your support for people who are threatened by racism and listen to their concerns. Be an ally and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
As an extension of today’s discussions on antiracism, our school will convene a virtual forum on Monday, April 5, at 5:30 pm, led by the Chinese Information Service Center to share current work and findings on addressing anti-Asian bias and hate in King County, as well as collective stories to strengthen community. Details for the event will be sent out soon.
As we begin this final quarter of the academic year, remember that a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty enriches our lives and assists us all in experiencing the growth and change that comes from learning more about others and ourselves.