Letter from President John R. Broderick
March 18, 2021
Dear Monarch Community:
We have all been shaken by the killings of eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were of Asian descent. We offer our sincere condolences and sympathies to their families. Though the tragedy has not yet been designated as a hate crime, it comes against the backdrop of increasing attacks nationwide against Asian Americans, from insults to assaults. In major U.S. cities, the number of incidents rose 150% last year.
Once again, we must rise up to say loudly that violence and racism have no place in our society. The Monarch community stands together in affirming a culture of care and the belief in the power of diversity and inclusiveness. Our strength, both at Old Dominion and throughout the country, rests in the variety of our backgrounds and viewpoints, and we must unite to reinforce the spirit of welcome and harmony that characterizes this campus.
Our Division of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services is working with other organizations, including the Asian Faculty Caucus and Asian Pacific American Student Union, to schedule a program on anti-Asian violence and how we can combat it.
In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the ODU Care Team at ODUCares@odu.edu or 757-683-3442.
Sincerely,
John R. Broderick
President
Austin O. Agho
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs