Administration

University shares message of support, inclusion for individuals of Asian descent

In a letter to Penn State's students, faculty, scholars and staff of Asian descent, Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity, and Roger Brindley, vice provost for Global Programs, offered the University's continuing support and condemned violence and discrimination against any ethnic group. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

As a University that is home to many international students, faculty and scholars, and welcomes cultures from around the globe, we echo the voices of individuals who condemn the racially motivated violence and other hate incidents being perpetrated recently in the United States against those of Asian descent. 

To our international students, faculty and scholars, as well as our staff and students of Asian ancestry, we share with you our steadfast support and repeat what President Eric Barron has said a number of times in the recent past: “You are welcome here. Your presence enriches our University and the educational experience of all of our students.” 

Violence and discrimination against any ethnic group is unacceptable and we stand firmly with those who denounce this xenophobic profiling and reiterate that these actions are appalling and unacceptable. 

Should anyone in our community encounter an act of racial bias or violence, or witness such an act, we encourage you to report it to Report Bias at http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias. If you are the victim of an act of bias, whether based on your race, religion, gender, ethnicity or some other attribute, you also can call campus police or 911 if you need immediate assistance.   

For anyone seeking support or resources, please contact the following:

Students

Faculty/Staff

Thank you, 

Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost, Educational Equity

Roger Brindley, vice provost, Global Programs

Last Updated March 5, 2021