UVA Community:
I am writing to provide an update on the work of the Religious Diversity and Belonging Task Force, established by President Ryan and former Executive Vice President and Provost Ian Baucom. The purpose of the Task Force was to examine the experience of religious minorities at UVA and make recommendations to support meaningful academic and personal engagement across religious differences and to ensure that UVA is a welcoming and supportive environment for all our students, faculty, and staff.
The Task Force made numerous recommendations, including requiring training for students regarding the University’s Preventing and Addressing Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (PADHR) Policy. The new required training, developed in partnership between Student Affairs and the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR), aligns with Title VI in emphasizing education and awareness regarding harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, and national origin/ethnic ancestry, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of discrimination. It will be implemented in July 2025.
In response to other Task Force recommendations, EOCR has hired a new Civil Rights Response Coordinator to coordinate with Student Affairs and other university offices in responding to all reports of potential discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, including reports involving antisemitism or other types of intolerance connected to religion, national origin, or ethnic ancestry. And the Interfaith Student Center (IFSC), which promotes interfaith engagement, education, and relationship-building, has hired a new Program Coordinator.
Concerns over the presence of religious intolerance in higher education are widespread. Over the past few weeks, administrators at UVA have received numerous email inquiries from concerned individuals and human rights organizations regarding UVA’s commitment to preventing and addressing antisemitism. Let me be clear: Anti-Jewish harassment, intimidation, threats, and violence have no place at UVA, and we are committed to protecting the civil rights and safety of all students, including our Jewish students. We are unequivocally committed to offering all our students, faculty, and staff a welcoming and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination, across all identities.
We also encourage students, faculty, and staff to report all incidents of harassment, violence, or discrimination through the University's online system for reporting, Just Report It. Incidents that occur off Grounds should be reported to University Police or the appropriate law enforcement agency; University Police work closely with local and state law enforcement. (For emergencies, 911 should be used.) We are grateful for the courage of those who come forward to report behavior that could pose a threat to the safety of our community and visitors.
We vigorously and thoroughly investigate all reports we receive; we follow the facts as best we can discern them, without prejudice or favor; and we take appropriate and decisive action when appropriate and justified by the facts.
In addition to these preventative and responsive measures, we are a community that must abhor discrimination and harassment; welcome and value a diversity of viewpoints, cultures, and people; and enunciate its rigorous commitment to the inclusion and belonging of all. This commitment is the responsibility of every member of our community and every visitor. I remain optimistic that our shared commitment to a diverse community bound together by foundational values of honor, integrity, trust, and respect will provide an environment where everyone feels that they belong and are valued and respected on our Grounds.
Sincerely,
Kenyon R. Bonner
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer