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Message from the Dean
October 10, 2007
Dean Jeanette Takamura's Statement on the Incident at Teachers College
Dear Members of the CUSSW Community:
You may have heard by now about the horrific, unimaginable incident
that occurred yesterday at Teachers College. As you may know, the Hate Crimes
professionals are conducting an investigation. I am more familiar
than most with the work of the Hate Crimes Division of the U.S.
Department of Justice. Based on this, provided there have been no
changes in their modus operandi, I can assure you that there will
be a thorough addressing of this despicable act and that law
enforcement officials from all levels of government will be working
intensively with TC.
While this is occurring, we join with TC in
condemning the heinous act that was committed by someone who must
be very deeply disturbed. Leaving a noose on the door of any
individual, irrespective of color, creed, religious preference,
sexual orientation, gender, language preference, country of origin,
region of the country, physical or mental status -- of ANY human
being, is an abhorrent act that must not be tolerated. Indeed, it
must be condemned in the strongest terms, and evermoreso by all of
us who are part of the social work profession.
I ask that we join together and recommit to solidarity in support of
human rights and social justice and, in so doing, send our highest
thoughts and our best energies to the faculty member who was
subject to a truly deranged act.
Please remember that the School has an Executive Director of
Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice, Dr. Cheryl Franks, and
that we have a Diversity Committee led by Professors Shelley Akabas
and Ron Mincy. All stand ready, as do I and the administrative team
of Deans, to be of any assistance as we contend with this
unimaginable, horrific, horrific incident.
The very best to you,
Jeanette Takamura
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Three informal gatherings have been set up for students in the CUSSW community who are interested to come together for discussion, reflection, and/or support. The times are as follows:
Tonight, Wednesday, October 10th, 4:15-5:45, Room CO3
Tonight, Wednesday, October 10th, 6:15-7:45, Room CO3
Tomorrow, Thursday October 11th, 4:15-5:45, Room CO5
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