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Statement on Racial Violence and Discrimination

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) acknowledges the highly disturbing psychological, physical, and emotional consequences of racism and racial discrimination that have perpetuated injustice and inequities towards Black and Brown individuals and communities in America. FSAP strongly denounces racism, anti-Black racism, bullying, bigotry, and hate in all its forms. We will continue to work to improve the cultural climate and remove barriers to mental health services within our office to marginalized populations.

As a counseling office, we recognize instances wherein racism and racial discrimination leads to race-based traumatic stress. This trauma can manifest as forms of depression, anxiety, fear, suicidal thoughts, anger, avoidance, and hypervigilance. For those of you experiencing distress related to racism and discrimination, please seek support from those whom you feel safe with, including family, friends, and communities. No costÌýand confidential professional assistance through the FSAP office is additionally available. The FSAP office can also help provide referrals to community therapists who can meet known and specific diversity-related needs.

While we firmly stand by the aforementioned statements, we also acknowledge the importance of providing an avenue for individuals to explore personal bias. As mental health counselors in service for all staff and employees of the university, it is our obligation and privilege to provide equal opportunities for mental health counseling services. Thusly, we assert that it is our responsibility to remain available for individuals looking to explore their personal biases, prejudices, and bigotry. We remain resolute that in order to fulfill our mission to support the psychological well-being of this university, the FSAP office is tasked to cultivate a counseling office where non-judgmental, compassionate, and honest discussions about challenging and difficult to discuss subjects can occur. For those of you who are looking to explore your own relationships with discrimination and bias, please know that the FSAP office remains open, confidential and non-judgmental to you.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) a