Standing Together against Anti-Asian Hatred

In a letter to the Tuck community, Dean Matthew Slaughter denounces the rise in racist and xenophobic rhetoric and acts toward Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders and affirms Tuck’s commitment to standing in solidarity with AAPI communities.

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni,

Throughout this pandemic year, and particularly in recent weeks, the United States has witnessed a wave of racist and xenophobic rhetoric and acts toward Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. I write today to denounce these hateful acts that are making headlines across the country—and to affirm to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Asian descent that we stand with you.

Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition that tracks incidents of harassment and hatred against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, has reported nearly 3,800 instances of discrimination against Asians in the past year. This is appalling.

The Tuck School does not condone or tolerate racism in any form. We create, teach, and apply life-changing business knowledge in a distinctly immersive community.  To succeed in our mission, racism—overt or hidden—has no place in our School. We are committed to providing a campus environment that is welcoming, supportive, and safe.

To those members of our community who are feeling stressed or fearful, or who are experiencing trauma prompted by recent events, please reach out for help. Any students, faculty, or staff who would like to speak to a counselor on their own behalf or out of concern for someone else should contact the Counseling Center at Dick’s House, the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program, the College Chaplain’s Office (603-646-3772), or the MBA Program Office. To report incidents of bias at Dartmouth, students may fill out the Achieving Community Together form online or via the LiveSafe app. Information about how to report nation-wide incidents of violence against the Asian community are also available at Stop AAPI Hate.

Last spring, I shared the reflection that during my tenure as dean, no societal issue has caused more persistent and more painful concern among our School than racism in America. Nearly a year later, despite a lot of diligent learning and earnest progress, this observation remains painfully true. Nevertheless, our work will continue. Wise leaders build diverse teams and create inclusive environments. Wise leaders cultivate a culture that is safe for honest dialogue, respectful debate, and transformative decisions. Wise leaders raise people up by taking down racist structures and standing up to hateful acts.

Let us continue our shared work, supporting one another and standing in solidarity against hatred.

Matthew Slaughter
Dean, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth