Dear Stanford students and postdoctoral scholars,

We, like many of you, have been watching the violent events and aftermath at the University of Virginia and in Charlottesville with shock and concern. The violent expressions of racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry are antithetical to the values of our country and contrary to the fundamental ideals of Stanford. There is clearly far more that our nation can do to achieve equality as well as civil rights for all.

We want to offer our support to the many students and postdocs who are understandably feeling vulnerable and threatened by what has taken place, particularly as we see that college campuses and college towns continue to be a focus for hateful clashes. Our university is dedicated to the pursuit of education and knowledge for greater social understanding and the welfare of humanity. We reaffirm Stanford’s commitment to uphold the core values of equality, diversity, inclusion and respect. The Stanford community stands together. We stand against violence, including the rhetoric of hate that incites violence.

An important way to counter the hateful acts we witnessed in Virginia is to come together in our own communities and as one community. Whether you are away for the summer or here on campus, we hope you are assured of our commitment to solidarity and shared values. Stanford’s Acts of Intolerance Protocol exemplifies this commitment.

In the face of shameful actions that so sharply contradict our core values, let us all be inspired to reach out to each other, to let every member of our community know they are valued, both here on campus and afar.

Harry Elam
Senior Vice Provost for Education
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Patti Gumport
Vice Provost for Graduate Education

Greg Boardman
Vice Provost for Student Affairs