Statement Denouncing Discrimination

Dear ������Ƶ community,

������Ƶ is committed to a campus environment that respects every individual regardless of background, experience, and culture, and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, and other protected class categories.

We face an unprecedented time of a global pandemic where we must pull together in support of each another.  As a university, indeed as a nation, we have never overcome challenges by attacking or misrepresenting one another; instead, we always emerge stronger when we conquer adversity together.  ������Ƶ stands united in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and will not tolerate insensitive remarks or behaviors by any member of the campus community.  Such lack of consideration and intolerance have no place at ������Ƶ. 

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division on Civil Rights issued new guidance on COVID-19 in which he reiterated, “COVID-19 is no excuse for racist, xenophobia, or hate.”  On March 19, 2020, Attorney General Grewal firmly stated that “Discrimination and harassment in violation of New Jersey law remains illegal even if it occurs against the backdrop of a global pandemic.” 

������Ƶ wholeheartedly affirms the Attorney General’s position because it aligns with the position of ������Ƶ, and I personally reaffirm our commitment to provide an environment where students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public feel welcomed, included and supported. 

I encourage everyone to please visit ������Ƶ’s Office of Institutional Diversity & Equity website for additional information and resources about the University’s non-discrimination policies and to view our Bias Prevention Education & Review Team website to learn more about the steps you should take if you witness or experience a bias incident.

I could not be more proud of the ������Ƶ community as we come together in support of our values and appreciation of our diversity. Our collective strength as a University will help us overcome the challenges of this pandemic.

Best regards,

Harvey Kesselman
President
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