In the wake of the recent rash of extremely violent and hateful acts against Black and Asian American communities in the United States, and in light of the murders of 19 elementary school children and their teachers yesterday, we join UMB President Jarrell and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Forbes Berthoud in standing in solidarity against hate and violence. We remain committed and undeterred in advancing the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice.

As UMB President Bruce Jarrell stated in his May 16, 2022, letter to the community: “As a UMB community, we denounce acts of violence, racism, and hatred, as well as racism in all its form.” Together we must continue to work toward building a more inclusive, just, and peaceful society. The work begins with each of us. We each play a role in creating safe and inclusive environments. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are our responsibility. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We have a human obligation to care for our fellow community members, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty, and when our humanity is threatened. The Student Counseling Center and the Employee Assistance Program stand ready to support you.

During these challenging times, we must continue to be present for each other. Know that we, the undersigned and many other University resources, are here for you. You can count on us to advocate with you, be a resource if you need support, and model how to be in community with each other and our Baltimore neighbors. We encourage you to connect and remain engaged in how we can proactively be forces for the changes we want to see in the world. We are stronger together working for equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice.

Sincerely,

Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs & Chair of the Diversity Advisory Council
Office of the Provost

Jeffrey R. Ash, EdD
Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion
University of Maryland School of Nursing

Neijma Celestine-Donnor, MSW, LCSW-C
Assistant Dean & Director, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
University of Maryland School of Social Work

Eleanor Fleming, PhD, DDS, MPH, FICD
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Shani Fleming, MSHS, MPH, PA-C
Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer
Graduate School

Courtney J. Jones Carney, DPA, MBA
Executive Director, Intercultural Leadership & Engagement Director, Intercultural Center
UMB Student Affairs

Russell A. McClain, JD
Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Sandra Quezada, MD, MS, AGAF
Associate Dean for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Kristin Reavis, MD, MBS
Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Chanel F. Whittaker, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP
Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy