November 14, 2018
Dear Campus Community,
It saddens me to inform you that once again our community has been victimized by a cowardly act of bigotry and hate. Earlier today, a student in John Quincy Adams residence hall was targeted when the door to the student’s room was defaced with homophobic and transphobic slurs and a swastika. Residence hall staff have reached out to the victim, who was not present when the hateful images were discovered, and offered support. Resources will also be provided to JQA residents who will be asked to attend a hall meeting this evening. Additionally, UMass Police have launched an investigation and have begun reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing data from key-card readers, and interviewing witnesses.
Too often this semester, I have shared with you a message like this, condemning acts of hate. I do so because it is important that those individuals who are the objects of such bigotry know that they are not alone – that every one of us who cherishes the rich diversity of our community stands with them and rejects the hatred spewed by a handful of anonymous cowards.
The words and symbols that the perpetrator of this latest incident chose, while targeted at one person, are an assault on all transgender, gay and Jewish members of our community and are clearly intended to intimidate. Let us not be intimidated. We must stand united in opposition to such ignorance and hatred and remain firm in our commitment to fostering a community of caring, inclusion and tolerance.
If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to access important university resources. These include:
- The Stonewall Center, call 413-545-4826 or email stonewall@stuaf.umass.edu.
- The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, call 413-545-9642 or email orsl@umass.edu.
- The Center for Counseling & Psychological Health, call 413-545-2337.
Sincerely,
Kumble Subbaswamy
Chancellor
