We Stand in Solidarity with Our Asian Communities
March 8, 2022
Members of New York’s Asian communities have been the target of horrific acts of violence and harassment throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and events of the past few months have been especially chilling. Since the beginning of 2022, four people have died following attacks in the city. Those victims include Michelle Go, who was pushed to her death from a subway platform; and Christina Yuna Lee, who was murdered by a criminal who followed her and then attacked her in her apartment. Then, last Sunday, seven women were assaulted in Manhattan in separate incidents committed by the same person, who has since been arrested. One of those incidents happened in our own neighborhood. You may know a classmate, friend or colleague who has been subjected to such harassment or violence. You may have experienced it yourself. We shouldn’t have to be fearful while going about our daily activities.
School of Visual Arts strongly condemns these acts of violence and hatred in our city and in other parts of the country, and we stand in solidarity with all members of the Asian American/AAPI communities. Racism, bigotry, discrimination and harassment are neither tolerated, nor accepted at SVA. We stand by our core values, our mission and with all members of our community.
Students seeking support are encouraged to reach out to our Student Health and Counseling Services. Current undergraduate and graduate students may request an online or in-person appointment with one of SVA's licensed therapists by filling out this form or emailing health@sva.edu. Short-term counseling services are available free of cost, even if you’ve waived SVA's student health insurance plan. Spring 2022 appointments are between 9am-3pm (Eastern Time) Monday-Friday, and a Mandarin speaking therapist is available.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the mental health benefits that are a part of SVA’s two health insurance plans. For support for anyone, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, there are also the following resources:
For people living in New York City, NYC WELL provides free mental health support in English, Mandarin, and Spanish and has access for translators in about 200 languages. Call 1.888.NYC.WELL (1.888.692.9355), text WELL to 65173 or chat here.
The Samaritans organization operates a confidential hotline when you need someone to talk to. Call 212.673.3000.
Information about crisis hotlines around the world can be seen here.
SVA is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment free from discrimination and harassment. Any incidents of bias, discrimination or harassment within the SVA community should be reported via this form, or by contacting Laurel Christy, Title IX Coordinator, lchristy@sva.edu.
Resources:
On Tuesday, March 8, there is a free webinar called “Bystander Intervention," for members of the community who wish to learn more about how to identify and respond to harassment. Register at: “Stop Anti-Asian and Xenophobic Harassment.”
Additional support resources are available through the following sources:
Racism, bigotry, discrimination and harassment are neither tolerated, nor accepted at SVA. We stand by our core values, our mission and with all members of our community.
Dr. Jarvis Watson
Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Bill Martino,
Director, Student Affairs
Christopher J. Cyphers, Ph.D.
Provost
