Joint Statement from the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
and the Dean of the School of Medicine





Statement from the Health Sciences Library
We at the Health Sciences Library were angered and saddened to read about the recently-reported hate crime that was committed on Grounds: an email from Timothy Longo, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police, University of Virginia stated, "...  on 
September 8, 2022, at approximately 4:20 AM, UVA Security observed a noose around the neck of the Homer statue." UVA Police were notified, and an investigation is ongoing. 


While no one was physically hurt as a result of this disgusting act, very real harm was done to members of our community.
 The act of hanging a noose, whether around a statue's neck or from a tree, is a very specific and clear reference to the act of lynching, which was, horribly, a common act of terrorism and method of murder mostly used against People of Color during the 19th and early 20th century (you may learn more about lynching and its multiple impacts on the NAACP's website: https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/history-lynching-americatrigger warning for race-based violence).

 

The act of hanging a noose in a public space is a very deliberate way to terrify BIPOC members of a community and one that can, understandably, make them feel unsafe, and as though they aren’t welcome and don't belong. We at the Health Sciences Library clearly state that we stand against both this, and all other acts of hate directed towards BIPOC and all marginalized people. You DO belong here, and we are committed to making UVA safe for you. We do not expect you to take on the emotional and mental burden of this work, but we do welcome your thoughts and suggestions about how to ensure that the Library is safe, welcoming, and inclusive to all patrons;  you know what will best serve you and we are here to listen and act on your suggestions to the best of our ability. If you want to be heard, please reach out in either of the following ways (if you prefer a phone call or a meeting, that will be arranged):

Email- Bart Ragon, Health Sciences Library Director; Bart@virginia.edu

Ask Us form- https://guides.hsl.virginia.edu/consultation-request


UVA has provided a list of supportive resources; please see them below:

Police

911

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988

Sexual Assault Resources Agency

(434) 977-7273

Shelter for Help in Emergency

(434) 293-8509

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Emergency Line

(434) 243-5150

Dean on Call (Call UVA Police and ask for the Dean on Call)

(434) 924-7166

UVA Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center

(434) 982-2361

UVA Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights

(434) 924-3200

 

Bart Ragon, Ed.D., MLIS, Health Sciences Library Director