Dear WashU Family,
We are reaching out to express our shared sorrow, anguish and sympathy with our South Asian students, faculty and staff community who have been impacted by the devastation of COVID-19 deaths in India and surrounding countries. We cannot begin to understand the pain you are experiencing, but want to acknowledge that even though we are not together in-person, we see you. The WashU family is made up of students, faculty and staff from around the world which means this global pandemic impacts all of us, and what is happening in India impacts all of us.
As a community we must be there for each other. Check-in on those you know are impacted
and be open to your colleagues and peers if they reach out. At this time of year we are wrapping up the semester, preparing for finals, preparing for summer, preparing for commencement, preparing for many things, but the heartache felt by the relentlessness of this pandemic was not on our list. This moment is filled with complexity for many in our South Asian community who are managing the clash of the range of feelings that come with this time of year and the need to be physically, emotionally and spiritually with loved ones both near and far.
For some of us we have seen this pandemic test our resolve as it has left many of us helpless
as we have lost loved ones at home, abroad and in our home countries. The trauma of this
moment is real and there are no words to ease this pain. We care about you and in these
moments please remember the importance of practicing self-care. Remember to take time for
yourself as you manage this moment, reach out for help if you need it, remember that you are
not alone and have a community that cares about you. If you need support, please connect with Habif Health and Wellness, use Therapy Assistance Online services for students, and review Mental Health Resources for faculty and staff.
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (DUC Suite 150) will be staffed on Monday, May 10 from
10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. for anyone in our community who wishes to stop by. We know the power of connection and the healing spirit of sharing a supportive space together.
Wishing you peace,
The staffs of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Office for Religious, Spiritual and Ethical
Life, and Office of International Students and Scholars.