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Take a Stand Against Intolerance and Extremism

Dear School of Social Work Community,

My heart is heavy in the wake of the Charlottesville events and their aftermath. I offer my condolences to the family of Heather Heyer who was killed in a violent attack by a white supremacist. I reject the abdication of moral leadership, including the tacit support of hate, by our nation's president. I am stunned and horrified by the undeniable presence of deep bigotry in our country. At the same time I am heartened and I applaud the actions of caring Americans -- the peaceful vigils, rallies, and other signs of solidarity among those who reject racism, anti-semitism, and bigotry in any form.

As the semester begins, our community will join together to show our solidarity for the basic human values that are the core of the social work profession -- social justice, respect for the dignity and worth of all persons, and the importance of human relationships. As a first step, a list of resources for students, faculty and concerned citizens are listed below. There is no room for bigotry and hatred in our society. I ask you to think about how you can contribute to end of bigotry and to demand respect for all people in our community, our nation, and the world. It is a responsibility for each and every one of us to reach out, raise hope and change society.

With regards,

Lynn Videka, Dean

University of Michigan Statements and Resources

Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Robert Sellers Statement on the Charlottesville Incident

Letter from Tabbye Chavous, Director, National Center for Institutional Diversity, U-M

U-M CAPS Standing With Charlottesville, Standing Against Hate

Give it. Get it. Expect Respect. Together, we can create and maintain a respectful and inclusive environment that provides the support and opportunity necessary for each member of our community to prosper and achieve.

U-M Center for Research on Learning and Teaching - Diversity & Inclusion

Additional Resources

Resources from the CSWE Center for Diversity and Social & Economic Justice

Harvard Business Review, "What 11 CEOs Have Learned About Championing Diversity"

The Equal Justice Initiative, discussion guides, films and other materials

The Atlantic contributing writer Melinda Anderson created the hashtag #CharlottesvilleCurriculum on Twitter to serve as an ongoing list of resources to teach responsively to current events.

JSTOR Daily, Constructing the White Race and Can College Cure Racism?

The Chronicle of Higher Education, "Beyond a President's Worst Fears, a Mob With Torches Arrived" and "How Universities Embolden White Nationalists"

The Charlottesville Syllabus - Resources for Teaching Tolerance The University of Virginia's Graduate Student Coalition for Liberation created The Charlottesville Syllabus, a resource to be used to educate readers about the long history of white supremacy in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Education Week - Teachers Share Resources

Teaching Tolerance

Inside Higher Ed - Teaching Sociology in 2017

The Southern Poverty Law Center's guide "The Alt-Right On Campus: What Students Need To Know?"

National Association of Social Workers Michigan Statement on Charlottesville Violence and Response to Hate

MSW News issue focused on Charlottesville sent on 8/18/2017

Incidents of Mass Violence - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website provides information about those at risk for emotional distress caused by mass violence, and provides resources for coping and getting help.

Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide - The Southern Poverty Law Center

Tips for Effective Communication When Discussing Controversial Topics - Developed by member Edna C. Alfaro, Ph.D., Texas State University, and shared at the IDC session at the 2016 NCFR Annual Conference.

White Families & White Privilege: Intersectionality, Critical Self Reflexivity, and Shifting the Center - Written by member Bethany L. Letiecq, Ph.D., George Mason University

National Council on Family Relations Resource Collection: Understanding Racism in Society - This list of resources from reputable organizations can help families, educators, researchers, and practitioners educate themselves and others on matters related to the systematic oppression and the persistence of both individual and institutional racism in our society.

National Council on Family Relations Resource Collection: Understanding Racism in Society - This list of resources from reputable organizations can help families, educators, researchers, and practitioners educate themselves and others on matters related to the systematic oppression and the persistence of both individual and institutional racism in our society.

Student Affairs Network, Navigating Freedom of Speech, Community Values, and Community Building on Campus

Professors See Charlottesville as a Starting Point for Discussions on Race

Campus Anti-Fascist Network (including mission statement and resources):

UVa Graduate Student Coalition (GS Coalition for Liberation):

FIRE! Stand up for Free Speech:

American Civil Liberties Union - Speech on Campus

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