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September 23, 2022

To: All Students

 Dear Seawolves,

 As a unified team, we addressed a recent hateful incident that involved an individual who wrote an antisemitic word and symbol in a public place on our campus. We are united in supporting our Jewish students and condemning antisemitism and acts of hate meant to sow discord in our community. At a time when we continue to see, hear, and experience acts of intolerance and hate, as well as increased social divides in rhetoric, we stand together in full appreciation of Stony Brook’s core values of caring, respect, civility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We recognize that our diverse community likely will have a varying degree of response to this incident. To address student concerns, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (DI3), Division of Student Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Interfaith Center, Stony Brook Hillel and others will work directly with our student leaders, including Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and Graduate Student Organization (GSO) to collectively identify and implement a robust plan that will address respecting and embracing our differences, practicing civility, promoting inclusion, welcoming freedom of expression, encouraging civil discourse, and taking a firm stand against intolerance and insensitivity in all venues and in all forms.

As the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remind us, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” None of us should tolerate the targeting of any religious or ethnic group. It is our collective responsibility to speak out and condemn such acts of hatred and bigotry.

Please keep in mind that the University provides resources including those listed at the end of this message. Remember, you are not alone!


Judi Brown Clarke
Vice President of Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer

Rick Gatteau
Vice President for Student Affairs

Ric McClendon
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

 

Campus Resources:

  • Office of Equity and Access (OEA), which is charged with ensuring that the Stony Brook University experience provides equal opportunity and is safe, welcoming and free from discrimination. Report allegations of bias or discrimination here.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which offers free and confidential services to students, including crisis intervention, counseling and consultation services, medication management, and assistance with referrals to community resources.
  • Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), which provides students and the campus community with prevention, early intervention, education, and outreach services around public health concerns, including mental health care.
  • Student Support Team (SST), which connects students with helpful resources and assists with resolving challenges or concerns.
  • Interfaith Center, which is a campus partnership composed of diverse campus ministry staff, representing religious denominations that offer confidential services, counseling, and guidance to students.
  • Ombuds Office, which is an impartial and independent resource for any individual within the university community seeking assistance or information in pursuit of the resolution of a concern or problem related to their life or work at the university.
  • University Police Department, whose mission is to foster a safe environment for our campus community through proactive, progressive, and professional law enforcement services.