Dear Orange Friends:
The COVID-19 virus does not discriminate by national origin. It is a danger to us all. It is not a Chinese virus or an Iranian virus or an Italian virus or an American virus. It is a deadly virus.
Now more than ever, we need to come together, scrupulously follow public health guidance, and support those who are caring for those in need. Now is not a time for divisions that prevent us from helping and caring for our families and our Orange community.
Many members of our Chinese and Chinese-American Orange community have stepped forward to support our community in incredible ways these past weeks. They have donated urgently needed medical supplies and resources both to hospitals abroad and in Syracuse. They have supported students and friends who are alone or stranded because of travel and movement restrictions. They are students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff who have manifest a lesson that I pray we all take to heart. They have made us proud. There is no circumstance—including a global health emergency—where it is acceptable for anyone to be the target of discrimination based on their appearance or national origin. Instead, we should be grateful to everyone who is doing so much for others in a time of crisis.
So many of you have done these things well and selflessly in the past weeks. I am deeply grateful. Right now, that is what it means to Go Orange.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud