Dear NEOMED Community:
As members of our diverse communities engage in various cultural and religious celebrations during this holiday season, a letter sent recently to college and university presidents from Gov. Mike DeWine, reminds us of the increased incidents of hate that have occurred on college and university campuses.
In the letter, which was released during Chanukah -- an eight-day Jewish festival -- Gov. DeWine states that no student should be afraid on a college or university campus – especially because of their race or religion. The governor writes, “Sadly, for too many of our Jewish students today that is not the case. Cases of antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments have been reported on our campuses here in Ohio and nationally.” A related story in the Cleveland Jewish News reports that a Hillel International and the Anti-Defamation League survey found rising antisemitism on college campuses across the country with nearly one-third of Jewish students experiencing antisemitism directed at them.
Gov. DeWine adds, “It’s not only students who are at risk of facing hate and harassment, but it is also faculty and staff.”
As I have done throughout the year, I want to reiterate that the NEOMED community is composed of people with diverse religions, ethnicities, cultures, nationalities and races and that we have zero tolerance for hate on our campus.
Nationally, students are urged to report incidents of antisemitism at reportcampushate.org. This site is operated through a partnership among Hillel International, the Anti-Defamation League and the Secure Community Network. All information submitted is reviewed by trained personnel and, as appropriate, will be shared with university leaders, Hillel professionals and law enforcement.
At NEOMED, we also want everyone to know that we are here for you and that we have resources to help you. On campus, we have a Department of Public Safety and the NEOMED Police Department (NPD) led by Chief of Police Kali Williams. In an emergency, you may pick up a blue-light emergency phone or call the University Police at 330.325.5911 or 9-1-1 (dial 9-911 if using a campus phone). Non-emergency questions may be directed to NPD at 330.325.5911 or police@neomed.edu.
Talking to someone during troubling times can also be helpful to many, particularly for those who have feelings of anxiety, sadness or frustration. We urge anyone who feels overwhelmed to reach out for counseling by contacting the following NEOMED service areas:
- Student Wellness and Counseling Services, counseling@neomed.edu | 330.325.6757
- Student Services, studentservices@neomed.edu | 330.325.6735
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, aburton@neomed.edu |330.325.6733
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Member Login: NEOMED | 800.227.6007
We realize that there are times when members of the NEOMED community may prefer to speak with a therapist who represents specific demographics or cultural perspectives. For that reason, we have partnered with Coleman Professional Services, which will serve as an extension of our student counseling services to ensure that we find the right fit, as determined by NEOMED students. We also want faculty and staff to know that ― through the EAP ― they may request counselors according to their demographic or cultural preferences.
With utmost sincerity, I will say this again: the wellness of each of us has an impact on all of us. You do not have to face concerns alone.
I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.
Sincerely,
John T. Langell
President