UMW Community,
With the unfolding war in Israel and Gaza, we want to reiterate our priorities during this time: 1) investing in student safety and well-being, 2) protecting free expression and diversity of viewpoints, and 3) creating space for education and meaningful dialogue on issues related to the Middle East conflict.
Our campus has seen an increase in activities related to the conflict and also an increase in concerns for members of our community, particularly those who are Jewish or Muslim. We have sought the space and time to hear from individuals and student groups about what matters to them, and we have heard from several among our students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni expressing the care and concern that is so exemplary of our Mary Washington community. We also know that many of you are seeking more – more answers, more opportunities to learn, and more of a response from the University, with more details and reassurances.
As we lean into our ASPIRE values, we remain dedicated to providing a diverse, accepting, and supportive environment that holds all of its members to the highest standards of conduct, scholarship, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and engagement. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means that we maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment of mutual respect for our community members of all backgrounds and identities. Let me be clear, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other discrimination or harassment have no place at UMW.
Reports of discrimination may be made via our online form to report a concern for students, or directly to Human Resources for employees. As concerns come in, they go to a team of professional staff to assess, provide resources, and follow-up, which includes checking-in on students and extending support. We’ve shared reminders of these resources previously and will do so again. Our on-campus Talley Center for Counseling Services is just a phone call away at (540) 654-1053, with many resources available online. UMW students also have on-demand, free access to mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via TimelyCare, accessed online via a web browser or app. Go to timelycare.com/umw or download the TimelyCare app to access care, and note you’ll use “umw.edu” (not “mail.umw.edu”) as the end of your email address to log in. For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program, which is available at no cost with state employee health insurance plans, may be accessed through the Human Resources website.
UMW, with our public liberal arts mission, is primed to bring together a community of scholars, encompassing the breadth of perspectives that can provide context, prompt conversation and compassion, and seek understanding. We also value freedom of expression, in order to sustain an environment rich in the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and intellectual pursuits. Free speech is constitutionally-protected, even speech that people do not like. It is the foundation of debate and of our democracy, and we may learn more when we provide the space for civil discourse and critical thinking, offering opportunities for learning and understanding, encouraging the dissemination of knowledge, not the stifling of it. Our students speak for themselves, but no individual student, speaker, or student organization speaks on behalf of UMW.
We remain vigilant of the activities occurring on our campus and in the Fredericksburg area. The UMW Police Department works closely with Fredericksburg Police Department and other agencies, partnering for safety during demonstrations and other public events. Safety assessments and plans are made in advance when we are aware of activities, and Student Affairs works closely with recognized student organizations, advising them of relevant University policies. Most recently, we have responded to Executive Directive Six and shared a summary of our safety plans, which are in place each and every day, but also address specific concerns in the current moment. Disciplinary or legal action would be pursued if policies or laws are violated. As of the writing of this message, UMW has not received any report of on-campus violence, credible threats to physical safety, or other criminal activity since October 7th. If anyone has any concerns about their safety, you can contact UMW Police: (540) 654-1025 (non-emergency); in an emergency – dial 4444 from any campus phone or dial (540) 654-4444 on your phone.
We want to ensure that our campus community continues to be a safe, supportive environment, dedicated to our educational mission, committed to freedom of expression, but also exemplary of the care and concern that underscores all we do. We appreciate everyone who has shared a concern, provided perspectives, and reached out with ideas and initiatives for ways to respond to an increasingly complex situation. Each one contributes to our efforts moving forward as we continue to uphold our academic community as a place where all will learn, thrive, and grow.
Sincerely,
Troy Paino