STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FROM THE SAPH DEPARTMENT

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:13:25 -0400

The SAPH Department would like to echo the sentiments expressed by President Hrabowski and Provost Rous, and extend support to our Nigerian students. Please review the solidarity statement below for more details and to access resources.

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

We are concerned about recent events in Nigeria, which have made an already challenging time even more difficult for the many UMBC students, faculty, and staff who have ties there. Over the past several weeks, people in Nigeria calling for the support of their human rights during peaceful protests and demonstrations have been met with escalating, state-sanctioned violence. Most recently, the Nigerian Army opened fire on protesters, killing at least a dozen people.

Violence is never the answer, and UMBC is committed to freedom of expression and social justice for all. We have a strong Nigerian community at UMBC, and we know the campus shares our support for them and for their family and friends. We want our Nigerian community members to know that we are committed to helping them through this difficult and emotional time. We also ask that faculty continue to offer support and flexibility to all students as they balance their academic life with the challenges of this time.

We want to take this opportunity to note the care and support resources available to community members. Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (I3B) staff are available to community members and student organizations in need of support. Please email i3b@umbc.edu. Students can also contact International Education Services at ies@umbc.edu or +1(410)-455-2624. Students in Maryland can call the Counseling Center to obtain remote counseling services at +1(410) 455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The after-hours support line is +1(410) 455-3230. Students outside of Maryland can contact the Counseling Center for brief crisis consultation and referrals.

UMBC greatly values our international community, and we are committed to supporting our Nigerian community members at this very difficult time.

President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous