Fall 2019 Acts of Hatred

As a diverse body of health care providers at CAPS, we see acts of hate as acts of harm to the health and wellbeing of those we serve, and we extend our hearts and services to our community.

We find it paramount to acknowledge and validate the impact that our community - especially racially and ethnically minoritized groups and those from marginalized identities - has experienced from incidents of hate and bias. A few recent examples include: a report of a noose found on a door in a residence hall where black students live; the Sona survey with derogatory and hate-filled slurs and stereotypes of minoritized groups; the destruction of the Sukkah at the Hillel Jewish Student Center. In addition, the recent presence of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on our campus has also negatively impacted many in our community.   

Let us be clear: CAPS will not stand-by and tolerate hatred, harm, discrimination or intimidation in any way, shape or form including that which is based upon race, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and other minoritized identities. We recognize the efforts of those who have courageously spoken out. We stand with you. We also denounce systemic practices, statements, or incidents which minimize the impact of harm to others.

We recognize that these recent public examples are just that, examples. They do not fully capture what many on our campus - especially those from minoritized identities – face each day. At CAPS, we join with other Spartans in actively eradicating racism, bigotry, discrimination, prejudice, exclusion, bias, and micro- and macroaggressions in any form. This includes each of us doing our own work to examine dynamics related to power and privilege, and needed growth in the areas of awareness, education, sensitivity, implicit bias, and skill-building.

CAPS will be taking the following ACTIONS and offering the following supports to our students:      

  1. We are in the process of reaching back to students/student groups to learn more about their experiences and the impact of recent incidents of hate and bias. With these connections, we aim to develop tailored plans to support our students who have been greatly impacted by recent acts of harm.
  2. We have established a direct pathway to CAPS Counseling Services for impacted students who wish to talk about incidents of bias and hate. Students can drop-in to CAPS during our business hours at the Olin Health Center and ask to speak with a counselor about bias/hate and a consultation/support appointment will be provided.
  3. Students can also talk with a CAPS counselor at one of our many CAPS Connect locations across campus. CAPS Connect provides brief, informal, yet confidential drop-in consultations for students. For more information detailing days, times, locations, and counselors, please visit caps.msu.edu/services/CAPSConnect.html
  4. Students may also join one of our many identity-based support groups. For more information: caps.msu.edu/services/group-counseling.html#group
  5. Please know we are in this for the long-haul and will continue to stand with, support, advocate for and be available to students who have been impacted by these and other events. We welcome collaboration in supporting your efforts and the efforts of others who stand with and for you. To submit an outreach request, please visit caps.msu.edu/services/form-page-outreach.html
  6. At CAPS, we will continue to strive to hold ourselves accountable. We are committed to creating informed safe spaces that are racially responsive and culturally sensitive. If you have experienced any acts of hate or bias within CAPS, we invite you to talk with the Director of CAPS, Mark Patishnock, PhD, at patishn1@msu.edu or by calling 517-355-8270.