President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., Delivers Message on Discrimination and Violence Against AAPI Community

Dear SJU Community,

We are saddened and angered by the tragedies last week in Atlanta and ongoing reports of discrimination and violence against Asians, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Our prayers and hearts are with victims of these horrifying attacks and their loved ones.

Last week our voice was included in the statement issued by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). Upon reflection, I think it is necessary to make an additional statement on behalf of our community. We stand in solidarity with our AAPI students, colleagues, neighbors, alumni and friends, and pledge our support for an end to anti-Asian violence.

We have been intentional in our DEI work to support and advocate for this population since February 2020 when COVID-19 first impacted our campus and the Philadelphia area. We plan to continue these efforts to bring awareness to the occurrences of anti-Asian violence. The Office of the Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion is coordinating a campus program in early April to promote campus dialogue about anti-Asian violence and keep social change front and center. Please stay tuned for more information.

Diversity and inclusion are central to Saint Joseph’s mission. Bias-based conduct and targeting individuals based on perceptions about identity or beliefs create barriers to inclusion, access and trust. Such behaviors, stereotyping, discrimination, and violence are not tolerated at Saint Joseph’s University. As a Jesuit university, we set a high bar to educate and care for the whole person, across all diversity and aspects of identity.

In times like these, it is important to talk to one another, talk to your families, friends and children. These conversations can be difficult, but are necessary to stamp out hate and promote a more inclusive world.

Those who experience harassment or discrimination on campus can report it here.