Over the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially in recent days and weeks, we have been horrified to see a rise in racially motivated hate crimes involving physical violence and harassment, targeting people of Asian descent in the U.S. The UGA Psychology Department stands in solidarity with the Asian American community against these attacks that damage our entire society, but also have a particularly detrimental impact on the Asian American community. Advancing racial equity and economic inclusion for people of all races and ethnicities is critical to guaranteeing the safety and security of everyone. We encourage every member of our community to take a stand against the structures that perpetuate and fuel discrimination and assaults on Asian American and Pacific Islander persons and we will work towards those ends as a Department. Well-Being Resources If you or someone you know needs assistance, you are encouraged to contact Student Care and Outreach in the Division of Student Affairs at 706-542-7774 or visit https://sco.uga.edu. They will help you navigate any difficult circumstances you may be facing by connecting you with the appropriate resources or services. UGA has several resources for a student seeking mental health services (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/bewelluga/bewelluga) or crisis support (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/info/emergencies). If you need help managing stress anxiety, relationships, etc., please visit BeWellUGA (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/bewelluga/bewelluga) for a list of FREE workshops, classes, mentoring, and health coaching led by licensed clinicians and health educators in the University Health Center. Report an Incident on Campus Ombudsperson For Students: Charisse Harper, (706) 542-8544, charper@uga.edu, Submit a complaint Ombudsperson For Faculty: Dr. Joseph Bartges, (706)-250-1409, jbartges@uga.edu, Submit a complaint Ombudsperson For Staff: Anjali Dougherty, (706) 542-7854, adougher@uga.edu, Submit a complaint Resource Guide on Anti-Asian Sentiment Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American Harassment and Xenophobia Workshop On Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: Who Is Our Real Enemy? This statement was drafted by the BBS Diversity Committee, and is further endorsed by the Psychology Department Diversity Committee and Dr. Stephen Miller, Department Head.
