LC’s Position Regarding Violence and Discrimination (A Confirmation)
Following the tragic events in Atlanta, and knowing that such crimes are antithetical to all we stand for at inclusive Landmark College, please see the note to our community below, generated by Dean of Students Kelly O’Ryan with help and support from the Centers for Diversity and Inclusion (e.g. Marc Thurman, Fabio Arnaldo Ayala), as well as several others.
Dear LC Community: The recent wave of violence in the Atlanta area that left eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent, serves as a stark reminder that the global pandemic continues to disproportionately harm minoritized communities in this country. As a community we must stand united against the rise in xenophobic and racist attacks on the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community and in support of our API community members.
As we move forward, we must continue to center our focus and attention on the harm that this pandemic has created and exacerbated, and critically explore and respond to the ways in which xenophobia and racism manifest within our community and the world at large. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) forums represent one important piece of this response work, work that must and will continue as we continue to build a more equitable and inclusive community. As another commitment to our inclusion work and centering our efforts on addressing harm, we will continue our work through Health Services and the CDI to provide tailored education and support to our larger black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community in navigating the pandemic, including securing prioritized access to vaccinations provided through the State of Vermont.
We recognize that important and valuable work is happening, yet critical work remains. As an institution dedicated to inclusion and social justice it is vital that we stand united in condemning racism, xenophobia, and gender-based violence in any form and continue to increase our efforts around education and meaningful accountability.
For those within our community, support is available for students through Counseling & Health Services, Residential Life, and Student Affairs. Employees can access support though the College’s Employee Assistance Program