To the Davenport University community,
In recent months, we have seen a significant increase in the number of threats, violence, and xenophobic acts against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community across the United States. As a university committed to the values of respect and inclusion, the deadly attacks that occurred last week should be deeply concerning to all of us.
Violence can never be tolerated. Targeting someone because of the color of their skin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or ethnicity is unacceptable. I encourage our entire university community to be the voice against such acts of hate. We must support each other. We must also make it a point to support our Asian American and Pacific Islander students, faculty, and staff—to affirm our care and support for one another.
Together, the Davenport University community can serve as a model for creating a community that is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of people of all backgrounds.
Sincerely,
Dr. Richard J. Pappas
President, Davenport University