Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community:
We write today to share information regarding two disturbing reports of anti-Asian hate that occurred off-campus that we received through Georgetown’s Bias Reporting System this afternoon.
A Georgetown graduate student reported to the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) that at approximately 9:15 a.m. they were physically assaulted near the Key Bridge in front of the former Marriott hotel in Rosslyn by a suspect using anti-Asian slurs. The assailant is not believed to be a member of the Georgetown University community.
A second Georgetown graduate student reported that at approximately 9:50 a.m. an individual made anti-Asian comments near the corner of 35th and M Streets in the Georgetown neighborhood.
We are working to determine if these incidents were committed by the same individual or if they are separate incidents.
We strongly condemn the incidents of violence and hatred experienced by Asian Americans and are united against such acts of racism and violence. Today’s incidents are deeply troubling, and we recognize the impact that they have on our community, including the impacts on physical and mental health of individual students and employees. We stand together with our Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and we reaffirm our long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice for all.
The Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) is coordinating with the ACPD and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on both of these incidents. GUPD is also in contact with MPD’s Asian Liaison unit.
If anyone has information about either of these incidents, please report it to GUPD at 202-687-4343.
We also wanted to remind you of these safety measures:
- Use the LiveSafe Mobile App. LiveSafe is a personal security system that connects users with GUPD when activated during an emergency situation. The app also allows users to report suspicious activity, request a SafeRide Shuttle or personal escort, and use SafeWalk to share your location.
- If You See Something…Say Something. Program phone numbers for GUPD, (202) 687-4343, and Georgetown’s EMS responders, GERMS, (202) 687-4357, into your phones. If you are concerned about threatening behavior or are worried about potential violence to the university or someone at Georgetown, contact the Georgetown Threat Assessment Program..
- Sign up for Alert DC, which allows you to receive public safety alerts from MPD based on your location and timeframe preferences.
- Be attentive to your surroundings. Consider removing your earbuds when walking alone, especially at night. Choose well-traveled and lighted pathways. Always try to walk with a friend.
If you need additional resources to support your mental well-being you can find them in our Every Hoya Cares online resource center.
We encourage anyone who sees evidence of a bias- or hate-motivated incident to file a report through the Bias Related Incident Reporting form, accessible online or via the LiveSafe app, or call GUPD at 202-687-4343. Through the Bias Reporting System, Georgetown responds to, tracks and reviews bias-related incidents. Community members are encouraged to file a bias incident report if they witness or experience acts of bias, either inside or outside of the classroom. Reporting incidents allows the University to quickly provide support to those impacted and hold the appropriate community members accountable for violations of University policy.
On February 24, from 12:00-1:00 pm EST, a meeting will be held via zoom by the organizers of the Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAAPI) community at Georgetown. It is open to all members of the Georgetown community to discuss concerns, issues of safety and other items. You may RSVP for the meeting here.
We all must stand together and reaffirm our core commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial and gender justice for all.
Sincerely,
Jay Gruber
Associate Vice President for Public Safety
Rosemary Kilkenny
Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer