Carnegie Mellon University
March 30, 2021

In Solidarity

Dear Members of the College of Fine Arts Community,

Two weeks ago, we were made aware of the abhorrent racial violence that ensued in Atlanta, Ga., resulting in the death of six Asian women: Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Yong Ae Yue, Hyun Jung Grant, Soon Chung Park, and Sun Cha Kim, as well as Delaina Yaun Gonzalez and Paul Andre Michaels. While the police have not labeled this attack a hate crime, throughout the course of the pandemic, there has been an increase in racism and violence toward Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities. We denounce these vile acts and stand firmly with our community members.

Please know that we are here to support you. However, after meeting with members across all five schools, and participating in the School of Drama DEI Community Space, it is evident more action and support is needed. Each school within the College of Fine Arts is in discussion on possible resources to provide to their respective constituencies.

If you have any suggestions on a program, group, or event that you would like to see within your school, please feel encouraged to share with me and the respective DEI Leaders of your school (whose contact information is found below). This request is not to burden anyone with emotional labor, but to give space for your recommendations and needs.

In addition, at the request of students and faculty, we will be rolling out professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff regarding syllabi development and culturally responsive praxis. More to come regarding dates, times, and registration.

For those in need of immediate and/or individual support, please feel encouraged to reach out to:

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) offers free, confidential services to help you manage personal challenges.
    Immediate support is always available 24/7: 412-268-2922
  • Resolve Crisis Network: 888-796-8226
  • Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
    csdi@andrew.cmu.edu
    (412) 268-2150
  • Report-It online anonymous reporting platform
    username: tartans
    password: plaid
    All reports will be documented and deliberated to determine if there should be any following actions. Regardless of incident type, the university will use all shared experiences to transform our campus climate to be more equitable and just.

Lastly, please consider the following resources outside of CMU:

In community,

Valeria J. Martinez