Dear Students,

Earlier today, Chancellor Moynihan and President Paxson wrote to the Brown community regarding the report and recommendation of the Advisory Committee on University Resources Management (ACURM) with regard to the divestment proposal submitted to the committee by the Brown Divest Coalition (BDC) in July and the decision of the Corporation to support that recommendation. This is an issue about which members of our community have deeply-held convictions – many of which are informed by personal histories and identities – and about which considerable time and energy has been invested in discussion, understanding, and advocacy.

I write to provide reminders of resources available to our campus for sustaining our community values of open discourse, inclusion and constructive dialogue. We face the task of moving forward as a community. As we live, work and study in a place dedicated to education and scholarship, we share a collective purpose to learn and create knowledge together and a responsibility to contribute to each other's sense of belonging at Brown. Our community is at its best when we embody our values to engage with each other with empathy and respect, and when we acknowledge each other’s complex identities, experiences, and humanity.

Understanding that this has been and will continue to be a challenging time for many in our community, I remind you that if you or someone you know needs support for your well-being, sense of safety, or many other needs, the Support Resources During Times of Crisis website contains information and resources related to these and many other issues. The website also includes information about University policies that set standards for community behavior and help to keep our community safe; resources for understanding how Brown manages reports of bias, harassment and discrimination, and conducts investigations and addresses incidents; and resources to help you report an incident.

At the beginning of the academic year, the University provided the Brown community with information regarding University values, policies and standards on a range of issues that are vital to safeguard our mission and ensure that members of our community feel safe and supported at Brown. I encourage all students to carefully review that communication. Information and links regarding reporting incidents and seeking support also follow below.

Please connect with the resources and support that you need and help others who may benefit from support as well.

Sincerely,
Koren Bakkegard
Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students


Information About Reporting Incidents and Seeking Support:

• Alleged violations of the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy should be reported promptly to the University. The Report an Incident page provides easy access to forms for reporting. Students, staff or faculty with questions may contact the Office of Equity Compliance and Reporting at equity_reporting@brown.edu.
• If you feel a threat to safety (your own or others), you should immediately contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 401-863-4111 (or dial x3-4111 from any campus telephone).
• There are multiple support resources available on campus, including CAPS, BWell, Student Support Services, the University Ombuds, the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life, and the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program. A full list of resources is available on the Seek Support page of the Campus Life website.