VCU news

Dear VCU community:

One of our university’s most important values is our commitment to “provide a safe, and supportive environment to explore, create, learn and serve.” As we begin a new year, now is the time to recommit ourselves to our core VCU values.

All members of our community should feel and be safe, welcomed and respected at VCU. Including when we disagree, it’s important to treat other people how all human beings should be treated – with civility, professionalism and respect. This includes having the right to gather and speak freely and without violence or disruption to university operations. 

Antisemitic, anti-Muslim, anti-religious or race or ethnic-based threats are taken seriously and are investigated in accordance with state and federal laws and applicable policies. 

Additionally, violations of the student and employee codes of conduct can lead to disciplinary actions. Students, faculty and staff can use the VCU Helpline (1-888-242-6022 and www.vcuhelpline.com) to make reports 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reports can be made anonymously and are confidential.

As part of our commitment, VCU has taken, or will be taking, the following actions: 

• Reviewing VCU’s nondiscrimination statements and policies to ensure that they are consistent with recent federal guidance that recognizes discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, including Jewish, Arab, Muslim and Palestinian students.

• Ensuring VCU’s policies are interpreted and enforced consistent with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s working definition of antisemitism.

• Identifying or developing workshops and training programs for students and employees about religious diversity.

• Launching a provost lecture this spring to discuss the history and culture of Islam, Judaism and other religious groups.  

• Hosting listening or facilitated discussion sessions this spring with students, faculty and staff impacted by current world events.

• Evaluating best practices about how we manage complaints about discrimination, harassment and other misconduct.

• Holding meetings of the VCU Threat Assessment Team for assessment of, and intervention with, individuals whose behavior poses a threat to the safety of the university community.

These activities, resource information and more will be communicated throughout the spring semester.

As a reminder: for those who need support, student resources include TimelyCare and University Counseling Services, available 24 hours a day. Faculty and staff resources can be found through VCU's RamStrong program.  

Every person at VCU should feel and be safe, welcomed and respected.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Rao, President

Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Marlon Levy, Interim Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and Interim CEO, VCU Health

Dr. Faye Belgrave, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer 

Dr. Aaron Hart, Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Meredith Weiss, Vice President for Administration