Dear University of Rochester Community,
As Deans and Directors for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), we want to update you about anti-Black vandalism found recently at Schlegel Hall at the Simon Business School and what is being done to address and investigate it and keep you safe.
Three racist and threatening messages were found within Schlegel, and these have sent waves of fear, anger, and disappointment throughout our University community. The first was found on September 15, the second on September 26 and the most recent was discovered on October 5. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) was immediately notified, and safety measures were implemented in response, including modifying building hours at Schlegel, Gleason, and Carol Simon halls, and installing security cameras at main entrances, key corridors, and other strategic locations. An investigation has been launched with the expectation that the perpetrator(s), once identified, could be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
President Mangelsdorf and Provost Figlio have been informed of the investigation and fully support the response.
If you have felt harm because of these messages, no matter whether you are a student, staff, or faculty member, we want you to know that we care about your safety and well-being. Anti-Black vandalism and hateful speech are unacceptable, and antithetical to our institutional values. An attack on one member of our community is an attack on us all. We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, and an environment that upholds equity and dignity for everyone.
If you ever feel unsafe for any reason, please do not hesitate to call or text Public Safety (585) 275-3333 promptly. Additionally, if you witness or experience any form of hate speech, racism, or intolerance on campus, please report it immediately to the Office of Equity and Inclusion at equityandinclusion@hataselektrik.com or PADH@hataselektrik.com. We want you to know that we stand united in supporting you.
By working together, we can keep our University community safe and welcoming to all. Hate has no home here, but you do.
Sincerely,
Adrienne Morgan
Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
Richard Feldman Chief Diversity Officer
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Anika Simone Johnson
Assistant Dean of Equity and Inclusion
Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Beth Olivares
Associate Vice Provost for Academic Equity
Diversity Office, Arts, Sciences & Engineering
Brya Potter
Director of Equity and Inclusion
Andrew Ainslie Office of Student Engagement
Simon Business School, University of Rochester
Crystal Sellers Battle
Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion
Director of The George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion in Music
Professor of Music Leadership
Michael Marsh
Interim Director/COO
Memorial Art Gallery
Sasha Eloi-Evans
Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
Deputy Chief Diversity Officer
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Sheniece L. Martin-Stancil-El
Nursing Director for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Office of Nursing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
University of Rochester Medical Center
Please also see the following University resources available to support you throughout your time at the University:
Bias-Related Incident Reporting
Report an incident if you or someone you know was discriminated against based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Someone will follow up and help coordinate a response.
CARE Resource Center (585) 275-9490
University-wide for students. If you are concerned for yourself or a student, please submit a Concern Referral.
Available on the Medical Center website, this resource is available to all employees. UR Medicine EAP provides confidential guidance and support for addressing a variety of personal and work-related challenges.
The George Walker Center (585) 274-1000
The George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion in Music does the work of progressing equity and inclusion at the Eastman School of Music.
Interfaith Chapel (585) 275-4321
Chaplains are also available to provide spiritual support. Virtual and in-person worship services are available to those who want to connect with a faith community.
Office of Equity and Inclusion (585) 275-2125
140 Wallis Hall
Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center (585) 275-5678
305 Douglass Commons
University Counseling Center (UCC) (585) 275-3113