On the Recent Protests against Racial Injustice

June 5, 2020

Dear Tufts International Students:

The recent widespread protests in the US against the racial injustices experienced by Black Americans have caused deep pain, concern, and anxiety among many members of our international student community. Given that these protests have also spread to other cities around the world, we know that these experiences of injustice can evoke sympathies and solidarities not just among Americans, but across our broader international communities.

We at the International Center want to acknowledge that many of you - wherever you are located and living at the moment - are profoundly affected by and concerned about the recent protests and by the broader issues of systemic racial inequality, violence, and injustice. We support your engagement with these difficult issues as we collectively consider how we can each do our part to stop racial injustice and inequality. We hope, further, that you will consider joining the online University-wide gathering which will be held at 12pm Monday, June 8; please see President Monaco's announcement, which also contains a link to register for the gathering, for more information about this community-wide event.

Given that we are also dealing simultaneously with the ongoing stresses and hardships posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, please consider relying on us and other resources to help you act and reflect while caring for physical and mental well-being. You can schedule an appointment with your International Center advisor to talk about how the recent protests impact or relate or affect you as an international student. We also encourage you to review information about resources and rights in relation to police and immigration enforcement. In addition, the University has additional sources of support that are available to help you with various questions or to meet various needs. Please consider using them - we are better able to address the challenges ahead by acknowledging our collective need for assistance and support.

• The University Chaplaincy open year-round and provides pastoral care and spiritual support. All are welcome to reach out directly to any member of the University Chaplaincy or call 617-627-3427.
• Counseling and Mental Health (CMHS) is open year-round, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Students who are near campus this summer can make a virtual appointment.
• Students can reach both the Counselor-On-Call and the Chaplain-On-Call after hours and over the weekend by calling Public Safety at 617-627-3030.
• Tufts has partnered with two outside resources that provide students with access to licensed therapists from any location via text, live chat, phone, and video: BetterHelp and iHope.
• Students may also seek support through the Dean of Student Affairs Office, which is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by phone at 617-627-3158.
• Students may also seek support in their individual communities at the Identity-based Centers: Africana Center, FIRST Resource Center, LGBT Center, Latino Center, Women’s Center and Asian American Center.

Thank you for your attention, and once again please don't hesitate to reach out to the International Center if we can be of assistance in these difficult times.

Best regards,

Andrew K. Shiotani
Director, Tufts International Center