Dear UMB Students,

UMB Student Affairs joins Dr. Jarrell, UMB President, in rejecting antisemitic hate and bias in all forms. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reports an increase in antisemitic threats and violence in the United States. Unfortunately, antisemitism is not new. The ADL reported increased incidents of antisemitic hate and bias in MD, DC, and VA in 2020.

On this Day of Action Against Antisemitism, I want to encourage individuals to use their individual and collective voices to speak out against antisemitism in support of friends, colleagues, and the larger community. Let us transform our words of care and concern into actions that create more supportive environments for all members of the UMB community, but particularly our Jewish colleagues and friends who may be experiencing increased stress, fear, and concern due to rising threats.

In addition to finding support from family, friends, and colleagues, please also contact UMB resources, including the Student Counseling Center and the Intercultural Center. Incidents of discrimination and harassment at UMB can be reported to the Office of Accountability and Compliance.

The words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ring true today and every day, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Let us stand against hate and bias in all forms through our words and actions. We can start by dedicating ourselves to learning how we can be better allies and advocates.

Sincerely,

Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Office of the Provost
University of Maryland, Baltimore
palvarez@umaryland.edu
umaryland.edu/umb-student-affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers