Standing with Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities

Dear WPI Community,

In the wake of the horrific shooting that took place yesterday in Atlanta, and with acknowledgement of increased discrimination against Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities across the US, I write to reaffirm our commitment to a community that is accepting and welcoming to all.  Acts of anti-Asian racism and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and violence are unacceptable, and I stand in unity with those impacted. 

It is our institutional responsibility to maintain solidarity in our path towards a greater culture of inclusion and belonging at WPI. Our values call for a campus culture that rejects bias, prejudice, discrimination, and racism in all its forms, and for an unwavering commitment to blending DEI into the full fabric of our institution.   

We urge our students seeking support to connect with our Student Development & Counseling Center (SDCC), the Office of International Student Life, and/or the Office of Multicultural Affairs. For those in our residential communities, we also encourage you to connect with your Resident Advisors. For faculty and staff support, our Employee Assistance Program is available as well as support from members of the DEI Team. Finally, if you experience any acts of bias, harassment, discrimination or hate, WPI has many support systems including our Bias Response Team, WPI Care Team, and the WPI Police Department. 

At WPI we will continue to condemn hate and foster agency in our community to create a more inclusive and just society on our campus, within STEM, and across the globe.    

Sincerely,

Laurie