March 22, 2021
Dear IANR community,
I am deeply saddened by the horrific and tragic murder of eight people in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday. While the perpetrator claims that the attacks were not racially motivated, it is hard to disentangle race from the scenario given that six of the victims were of Asian descent. I recognize that over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has seen a dramatic increase in violence and discrimination against those of Asian descent within our country. This, in combination with other unresolved racial tensions and exacerbated by the tragedy in Atlanta, has resulted in feelings of fear and unsafety that extend to our own campus.
The IANR senior leadership team is committed to creating an environment in which every person and every interaction matters. This includes standing up against hate. It includes being anti-racist. It includes recognizing that a tragedy occurring 1,000 miles from Lincoln affects those within our own community. My heart aches with all those who have been affected: the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those within the community (including our UNL community) who feel unsafe. I have a renewed commitment to make a difference so that IANR is welcoming, safe, and inclusive.
We are here to support you. If you experience or witness any incidents of harassment or discrimination, we encourage you to utilize the following services.
- Make a report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance at UNL. This office will investigate any report and take appropriate steps including sharing information about campus and community support services.
- Call NUPD: If you ever feel that your safety is threatened, or have been assaulted in any way, please reach out to the UNL Police Department. They can be reached at: (402) 472-2222.
- To report an incident that needs to be elevated or addressed by administrators, use TIPS.
- For emotional support we encourage you to reach out to the Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) at or (402) 472-3553. This is a confidential supportive resource for victims/survivors of interpersonal violence and other crimes.
- Asian Community & Cultural Center: This Lincoln organization serves all refugees and immigrants, and advances the sharing of Asian culture and other cultural heritages of our clients with the community at large.
- The Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center. We encourage you to reach out to Charlie Foster, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Student Excellence, for support services offered there.
- For mental health resources at UNL please reach out to:
For those interested in linking the recent anti-Asian violence to our anti-racism journey, check out these resources for a broader perspective.
- Stop AAPI Hate National Report
- Resources to Dismantle Racism Against the Asian American Community, National Council on Family Relations
- Anti-Asian racism and COVID-19, University of Colorado Boulder
Sincerely,
Mike Boehm and the IANR senior leadership team