The following is the text of an email sent on January 16, 2023.
On the very same day that we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how much he did, and the many good persons who have continued his good work since his passing to elevate the cause of equity, justice, and peace in our country, we all know that there is much work remaining. While on this day we recognize our duty to address injustices on an ongoing basis, today we are called upon to address yet another acute injustice here and now.
As many of you have heard, there was a violent hate crime involving an Asian Indiana University student recently. As Vice President James Wimbush wrote:
"This week, Bloomington was sadly reminded that anti-Asian hate is real and can have painful impacts on individuals and our community.
No one should face harassment or violence due to their background, ethnicity or heritage. Instead, the Bloomington and IU communities are stronger because of the vast diversity of identities and perspectives that make up our campus and community culture.
To our Asian and Asian American friends, colleagues, students and neighbors, we stand firmly with you.
For members of our community who may find support helpful, counseling services are available to all faculty, staff and students.”
- James Wimbush, vice president of diversity, equity and multicultural affairs
We stand with Vice President Wimbush and in solidarity with all of you, and indeed with every person in our community and humanity against such heinous crimes of hate.
Right here in Indiana, on September 5, 1960, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated:
“God is not interested merely in the freedom of black men and brown men and yellow men but …in the freedom of the whole human race the creation of a society where all men will live together as brothers and all men will respect the dignity and the worth of all human personality. Therefore, you must make it clear that your struggle is a struggle for democracy for justice for truth and for goodness [for all]. …I am still convinced that love is the most durable power in all the world.”
If any member of our community needs help regarding this incident or any other matter, please reach out. We, your colleagues, the school, the campus, and the university are all here for you.
With Commitment to a Better Future,
Jerono P. Rotich, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Organizational Climate, Inclusion, and Belonging
David B. Allison, Ph.D.
Dean