Racism in any form is unacceptable

March 17, 2021

Dear Members of the HMS and HSDM Community:

I was devastated to hear the news of the fatal shooting of eight people in Georgia, including six women of Asian descent. Although a motive has yet to be determined, this egregious act of violence follows months of escalating xenophobia and some 3,800 racist attacks and threats against the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities across the nation.

Racism in any form is unacceptable. All members of our community should feel safe at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Unfortunately, members of the HMS and broader Harvard community have also been recent victims of malicious racist attacks. We stand with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities and all who are targets of such despicable, hateful acts.

It bears repeating that our HMS mission and community values, our diversity statement, and our anti-racism initiatives signify our resolute commitment to inclusive excellence, collaboration, and mutual respect.

If you are feeling unsafe or are seeking support, I share with you these HMS and University resources:

  • Harvard’s anonymous hotline is available 24/7 to report a range of concerns, including harassment and other threats to personal safety and well-being. Operated by an independent, third-party provider, the hotline is accessible 24/7 by calling 877-694-2275 or by submitting a report online.
  • If you are concerned for your safety, call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212 (Cambridge/Allston) or 617-432-1212 (Longwood). The HUPD takes hate crimes seriously, and any acts or threats of violence, harassment, or intimidation may be reported directly to the department.
  • The HMS Security and Campus Safety team offers both walking and taxi escort services. Walking escort services are available 24 hours a day by calling 617-432-1379 at least 15 minutes ahead of your departure time. A security officer will escort you anywhere on campus or to the nearest MBTA stop. Taxi escort services are available daily from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. from the NRB security desk at 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur. This service is free to a single destination within a one-mile radius for up to four people. Click on the link above for further details.
  • Blue light emergency phones are available at 41 locations throughout the Longwood and Cambridge campuses. When you push the button on any of these call boxes, you will be connected directly to HUPD dispatch.
  • Counseling and Mental Health Services provides care exclusively to students in the form of individual remote visits and group therapy, no matter where you may be living during the pandemic. Check out the many virtual workshops and groups here.
  • The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential help for all Harvard employees, postdocs, and their adult household members. You can reach the EAP at any time for personal or work-related concerns at 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278) or by visiting the EAP website.
  • The Ombuds Office helps all members of the HMS, HSDM, and Harvard Chan School community address issues affecting their work or studies, including bias in its many forms. The Ombuds Office is independent by design and provides highly confidential, impartial, and informal support for clarifying concerns, identifying goals, and considering all options for managing or resolving issues. Services include conflict coaching; informal mediation; education about resources and policies; bringing systemic trends and issues to leadership; and training on topics including negotiation and conflict management, authorship best practices, and difficult conversations.
  • The University Office for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging hosts group self-care and wellness Community Spaces for Affinity Groups throughout this semester, co-moderated by local health care and DIB professionals.
  • The HMS Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership has compiled a list of anti-racism resources.

Please take care of yourselves and take care of each other. We are all, truly, better together.

Sincerely,

George Q. Daley
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Harvard University