More resources for APIDA students and allies

Earlier this month, we alerted the Hopkins community about two hate incidents targeting students of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) descent that have occurred in recent days. A message sent to Homewood undergraduates on September 24 can be read here.

We appreciate the confidence you have placed in Johns Hopkins to be involved with your intellectual growth as well as your health and safety as students and trainees. We do not take this responsibility lightly, and we will work as a community to address the impact of these disturbing and racist acts and to ensure that those who experience physical or emotional attacks receive the help and support to continue their academic journey confidently and successfully.

Our Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) investigates all instances of discrimination and harassment that affect the members of our campus community. In instances where the alleged offender is not affiliated with JHU (and/or when acts of violence occur), we appropriately coordinate with law enforcement for further follow-up action. If you are a victim of any such situation, you are strongly encouraged to file a complaint through official university channels. More information about filing a complaint is available on the OIE website. Incidents can also be reported using the Speak2Us hotline or you can contact Public Safety at 410-516-7777.

As noted in a March 2021 blog post, there are several resources and supports for APIDA students who have experienced harassment directly or are experiencing any type of distress. Some highlights from that post are listed below.

• The monthly Asian & Asian-American Mental Health Discussion Series. This series occurs on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7pm EDT. It is a drop-in discussion series for Asians and Asian Americans of all ethnic backgrounds in all schools designed to explore the impact of their culture, heritage and identity on mental health and well-being. Students and trainees are welcome.
• Chat with a Counselor for International and Bicultural Students (also known as the Friday International Coffee Break). This resource is open to all students and trainees university wide. It is currently being offered virtually.
• The Homewood Counseling Center. This office, which serves Homewood and Peabody students, offers mental health support including drop-in consultations with staff and Chat with a Counselor (one-on-one brief conversations with a counselor). Crisis support is available 24/7 (call 410-516-8278 and press “1”).
• Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program (SOM, SON, BSPH, SOE, CBS, SAIS, AAP, EP). Licensed clinicians can help students and trainees and their spouses and partners manage challenges in healthy ways.
• UHS Mental Health (BSPH, SOM, SON). This office offers a variety of outpatient mental health services to students, fellows, and trainees.
• Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). This office offers a wide range of opportunities for cultural engagement, training, leadership development, and activities.
• Religious & Spiritual Life (R&SL). This office offers emotional support and/or the opportunity to meet with the chaplains. While this office is a division of Homewood Student Affairs, all Hopkins students and trainees are welcome.
• Asian Mental Health Collective. This group is an Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian American (APISAA) Therapist Directory.

Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students and trainees. We will do all in our power to support them so that we can all thrive here at Johns Hopkins.