In the past year, an increase in hate speech has led to anti-Asian harassment and violence across the U.S. On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, multiple shootings in Georgia resulted in the death of eight people, including six Asian women. We mourn for the victims and their families. We also decry the preponderance of Asian targets in these killings. 

 

Both nationally and locally, Asian and Asian American students and community members have experienced increased hostility and racism. This is not acceptable at UVU. This is not who we are or who we aspire to become. We invite us all to increase our understanding of these issues through education, dialogue, and deep reflection.

 

As valued members of our UVU community, we want to remind everyone to hold steadfast to our core value of exceptional care and to show respect for one another. Should any of you witness, experience, or hear of acts of intolerance or racism at UVU, please report it to our Bias Education Support Team (BEST). You can also visit our Report and Support website. For students, if you need assistance to help you persist and finish the semester strong, please contact our Dean of Students at deanofstudents@uvu.edu. Staff and employees are welcome to reach out to UVU’s Inclusion & Diversity Office at inclusion@uvu.edu for resources and support.

 

In solidarity with the broader community, we denounce hatred, misogyny, racism, and violence inflicted on the Asian and Asian American communities. We will continue to work together to build an inclusive environment and a community of respect, understanding, and compassion.

 

Thank you for your attention to exceptional care and your efforts to build a stronger campus and community. 

 

Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez

President

Utah Valley University

 

Dr. Belinda ’Otukolo-Saltiban

Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer

Utah Valley University

Resources for Asian and Asian American Community Members

Resource	Contact information
Student Health Services Student Health Services has low-cost services for UVU students in the areas of medical and psychiatric care, mental health services, learning disability assessment services, and crisis services. We offer life- and health-enhancing services that increase safety, productivity, and life experience of the individual and the campus.	Student Health Services (801) 863-8876
International Student Services Each year, international students are coming to UVU in greater numbers because of the excellent quality of education, reasonable tuition, and UVU’s global focus on inclusiveness.	International Student Services Email: iss@uvu.edu
Multicultural Office Our purpose is to serve students from ethnically diverse, historically underrepresented, and marginalized backgrounds. We are committed to creating spaces of not only inclusion and diversity, but equity and justice and ensuring that our students, staff, and faculty know that UVU welcomes and incorporates their voices and lived experiences into our campus community.	Multicultural Office (801) 863-8357 Email: multicultural@uvu.edu
UVU Report & Support Website UVU is committed to providing a safe and welcoming campus and culture. At UVU, our policies are intended to provide a fair and reliable process to support safety-related concerns. We have a network of people and departments who can offer prompt and appropriate assistance through the mechanisms listed on this page.	Report & Support UVU Police: (801) 863-5555
Bias Education Support Team (BEST) The BEST supports members of the campus community impacted by bias incidents and empowering them to respond effectively and constructively.	Bias Education Support Team (BEST) (801) 863-8681
Crisis Services Contact Crisis Services if you or someone you know are in distress or have concerns about the following: suicide ideation and/or suicidal threats, concerns of well-being, victim of a recent crime.	Crisis Services (801) 863-8876
Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX EO/AA and Title IX Office manage concerns related to sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.	Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX (801) 863-7999
Stop AAPI Hate Our communities stand united against racism. Hate against Asian American Pacific Islander communities has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we can stop it.	stopaapihate.org
Government Resources To report a hate incident contact either local law enforcement, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, or the Department of Justice.	Utah Attorney General’s Office Department of Justice
OCA Utah OCA Utah is dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States with goals to advocate for social justice, equal opportunity, and fair treatment.	OCA Utah aapihatecrimes.org
Racism is Contagious Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian Americans have become targets for verbal and physical assaults. This site provides publicly accessible resources for visualizing the data associated with these attacks to tell our story, encourage those who feel alone to speak, and to help spearhead actionable change.	racismiscontagious.com