Dear Members of the Office of the Dean for Research,

The recent violent attacks against Asian Americans, as well as other acts of violence against Asians and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) over the past year are a stark reminder of the discrimination and stereotyping that this community has long suffered.

Our research enterprise thrives thanks to the diversity of thought and perspective that researchers from around the globe bring to the creation and transmission of knowledge at Princeton. Our excellence as a research university stems from the free and open exchange of ideas and perspectives. Racism and prejudice stand as barriers to the ability of our Asian and AAPI colleagues to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society.

I join President Eisgruber in his recent condemnation of violence and racism, and strongly support his leadership of the University on its path towards greater diversity, equity and inclusion for everyone in our community. 

For those who are experiencing distress due to the events of the past week, the University offers a number of resources and upcoming events to support undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff, as well as programs, websites and toolkits related to issues of systemic racism, diversity and inclusion. Please see the list here.

Warmest regards,

Pablo G. Debenedetti
Dean for Research
Class of 1950 Professor in Engineering and Applied Science
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering