Solidarity Statement

Vanderbilt’s University Counseling Center and the entire Student Care Network strongly condemn and reject acts of racism, police brutality, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, sexism, ableism, classism, discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and religious discrimination. We condemn white supremacy and all systems of oppression.

The Student Care Network recognizes that our Black students are experiencing systemic racism and violence. We recognize that our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students are also experiencing discrimination, violence, and prejudice that has been exacerbated by COVID-19. We recognize the intentional and longstanding discrimination of Indigenous peoples. We recognize that students of marginalized identities have been and continue to experience anguish and harm from conscious and unconscious bias. Direct and indirect exposure to violence and bias can be troubling, concerning, and traumatizing, and result in many emotional reactions.

We stand in solidarity with you, we are here for you, and we recognize your need for support and affirmation. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. We acknowledge that harm experienced by any community member is damaging to our collective community.

The Student Care Network is committed to the promotion of healing and holistic wellbeing. Our staff is committed to an ongoing dialogue that provides us with opportunities to grow in the context of our own cultural identity development. We have compiled a list of publicly available identity-based resources for additional support.

We are here for you. Your emotions are valid. You are not alone.

This page was last updated July 2023