March 26, 2020
Dear L&S Faculty, Staff and Students,
As interim dean of the College of Letters & Science – the largest and most diverse college on the UW-Madison campus – I want to reaffirm the L&S commitment to maintain a safe, inclusive environment where all can thrive and feel at home.
It is impossible for anyone to thrive and feel at home when they feel shunned or targeted with abusive language or behavior referencing their race, country of origin, religious beliefs, gender, disability or any other aspect of their identity. We are aware of bias incidents on or near campus and online, targeting our Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American students and employees, particularly those from or perceived to be from China and East Asia. In the wake of this, I am concerned for the well-being of our students, faculty and staff, especially at this time of heightened anxiety.
I want to reiterate the words of our Deputy Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion, Patrick Sims: “The UW-Madison leadership and the entire campus stand in solidarity with our Asian and Asian American community members. Let me be clear— racism and xenophobia have no place in the #UWMadison community. COVID-19 is not specific to an ethnicity or race. Disease does not discriminate.”
In L&S, we believe that diversity in all its forms makes us stronger as a college and as a nation. Chancellor Blank’s statement on community respect and support underscores this value: “UW–Madison is remarkable because of the talent, creativity, dedication, and passion each of you bring to our community. We continue to uphold the university’s values of diversity and inclusion and ensure all members of our community are connected, protected and respected.”
If you are a student who has experienced harassment or discrimination, please file a bias incident report with the Dean of Students Office. Faculty and staff may file a complaint with the Office of Compliance. These offices respond to every report and complaint received.
I want to close by encouraging you to participate in the campus virtual town hall with university leaders today, Friday, March 27, at noon. It’s critical that we come together as a community in support of Asian and Asian American faculty, staff and students.
On, Wisconsin!
Eric M. Wilcots
Interim Dean,
College of Letters & Science
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy