Constant news of the coronavirus has shaken a number of us, perhaps unsurprisingly bringing concern for our own health and the health of our friends and loved ones. Yet I am concerned that fear may be impeding our usual instinct to respond positively and generously in a moment of great need.
At NYU Steinhardt, we pride ourselves in valuing diversity and inclusion. I worry that times like this - when we are faced with fear - chip away at our progress in affirming those values and thus undermine our ability to care for one another when support is most needed. News accounts are beginning to emerge that make me especially worried about whether the Asian students in our community will be treated with dignity and respect.
Bear in mind: there have been no cases of coronavirus on any of our campuses, nor in New York City, for that matter. Moreover, with classes having started on January 27 here in New York, the vast majority of NYU community members are past the incubation period.
In the current context, honoring our values means helping students who seek academic accommodations, laying aside undue fears or groundless suspicions, and contributing to international relief efforts; not honoring our values means unfounded questioning of students’ health status or travel history. Needless to say, any behavior that singles out one group of students because of their ethnicity goes against our values; such behavior is inappropriate at any time, but especially at a time like this.
The University is taking all the appropriate steps to ensure the health of our community. Additionally, our colleagues in Shanghai have established a campaign to support those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Let’s see this as a moment to affirm our resolve to live up to our values of inclusion, diversity, and belonging, and, in doing so, demonstrate how we fight fear with a community of care.
Pamela A. Morris-Perez, PhD
(pronouns: she/her/hers)
Professor of Applied Psychology
Interim Dean
NYU Steinhardt