To our UConn Health Communities,
The weeks since October 7, 2023 have been very hard as the violence in Israel and Gaza continues to have a devastating impact on members of the Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian communities, not only in the region but upon all connected communities. Without question, this impact is felt here deeply in our UConn Health community too.
We condemn Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination. Discrimination and harassment violate our policies and do not have a place at UConn Health or at our Schools. You have the right to report any acts of discrimination without threat or fear of retaliation. Community members are encouraged to report any such acts that occur on our campus to inform.uconn.edu.
Over these past nine weeks, UConn Health has been having conversations with our Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian community members. We have heard from many students, faculty, staff and alumni about the humanitarian impacts of the Israel-Hamas War and the repercussions for loved ones and extended communities here in the U.S. We have discussed the role of an academic health center in a time of conflict—to challenge, to express differences respectfully, to promote understanding, and to gain new perspectives. These conversations have been helpful even as they can be difficult. We are proud of the efforts of our learners, faculty, and staff demonstrating compassion and support for each other, to recognize our common humanity, and to maintain a dialogue at such a difficult time.
We want to emphasize that UConn Health is committed to making all of our learners, faculty, staff, patients and any other visitors to our campus feel welcome and safe. UConn Health celebrates our diversity of cultural, faith and religious identity and welcome each individual’s pride in its expression. We have begun conversations with our partners across the University to establish events, dialogues, and curricular offerings here at UConn Health along with our Office of Diversity & Inclusion, our Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Jeffrey Hines, and various diversity councils of UConn Health.
We recognize that each of you may be experiencing this conflict in your own way. In these challenging times, we must show empathy and compassion for one another and find ways to thrive together. As you are supporting others, please do ensure that you are getting the care and support you need. Be mindful of your limits, engage in activities that help to ground you, and seek out opportunities to enhance your understanding of this crisis.
To this end, we want to remind you of the resources available to you:
- For individualized care, UConn Health encourages employees and their household members to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 860-679-2877 or uchc_eap@uchc.edu.
- Additional resources are available through UConn Health Human Resources and Spiritual Services at UConn Health. These resources are here to help you cope with the stress and uncertainty that comes with situations like these.
We are here to support all of our UConn Health learners, faculty, and staff during this time of crisis. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us if you feel you need resources that are not identified here, or with any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. UConn Health’s mission is one of learning and healing. We wish peace to all of our members who engage in these collective enterprises, including our alumni and patients, and join you in hope for peace in our greater communities as 2023 soon comes to a close.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bruce T. Liang
UConn Health Interim CEO
Dean, School of Medicine
Dr. Steven M. Lepowsky
Dean, School of Dental Medicine
Barbara Kream, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Graduate School
