To the campus community:

The University of Michigan administration received reports this past weekend, Sept. 21 and 22, related to the safety of Jewish community members. Then, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, racist graffiti targeting our Black community was found in a residence hall. 

As the academic year begins, I want to make absolutely clear that racism, violence and hate of any kind is antithetical to our mission and values, and we will not tolerate it. Fortunately, and while we alone cannot eradicate prejudice and violence, these events are not the norm.

We have a long history of a safe campus environment, a Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) that is one of the premier university public safety services in the country, and a community of people who care about each other.

The reports from over the weekend involved an assault against a Jewish member of our community. A young man was punched while on the steps of a house occupied by members of a historically Jewish fraternity and, later, bottles were allegedly thrown at the house. The motives of these incidents are under investigation. Because this happened off campus, the Ann Arbor Police Department is leading the case and working to identify the perpetrators.

Early Wednesday, Michigan Housing was made aware of incidents of vandalism that included racist language in multiple locations in East Quad. Our facilities team removed the vandalism and DPSS launched an investigation.

We are steadfastly committed to standing up against all forms of hate and ensuring that our community remains a safe and supportive environment for everyone. As a reminder, faculty and staff continue to be required to report incidents of discrimination to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office.

To support the safety of our community:

• DPSS and AAPD have increased security measures and patrols.
• We are in close communication with key partners, including the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Housing Diversity and Inclusion Office, Hillel, Chabad and the Jewish Resource Center.

Community members are encouraged to:

• Use Safe Ride and other transportation options.
• Pick up a Blue Light emergency phone if you feel unsafe or want to connect to DPSS.
• Download the Safety app to access tools and resources.
• Share information with AAPD through the Silent Witness program. 

Additional resources include:

• Division of Public Safety and Security provides a wide range of personal safety tips on its website. For emergencies call 911 and for non-emergencies call (734) 763-1131 or text 377911.
• Dean of Students Office assists students who are experiencing situations that may be interrupting their academic and campus life. Call (734) 764-7420 or email deanofstudents@umich.edu.
• Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office handles all complaints of discrimination and harassment, and provides support, resources and education to promote a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living and working environment for all members of the university community. Call (734) 763-0235 or email ecrtoffice@umich.edu.
• Michigan Housing Diversity and Inclusion Office offers support and guidance in navigating resources, and takes reports regarding incidents in residence halls. Call (734) 763-2222 or email diversityandinclusion@umich.edu.
• International Center offers information and resources for international students regarding their immigration and visa-related needs and challenges, and any travel-related concerns. Call (734) 764-9310 or email icenter@umich.edu.
• Counseling and Psychological Services offers in-person and virtual counseling services. Call (734) 764-8312 or email caps-uofm@umich.edu.
• Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office provides support and assistance to university staff and faculty in resolving personal or work-related concerns. Call (734) 936-8660 or email fascco@umich.edu.
• Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience provides short-term counseling, support and information to Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, house officers and medical students. Call (734) 763-5409 or email counseling@med.umich.edu.

We encourage all members of our community to remain vigilant and to report any knowledge of these incidents or new ones to DPSS or the AAPD. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you. Together, we can continue to ensure that the University of Michigan remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all.

Sincerely,

Santa J. Ono
President