Recent comments by UI students on several social media platforms targeted at international Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students have once again highlighted the urgent need for the campus community to come together to support every campus constituency and to help all feel welcome, valued, and safe on campus, no matter the perceived background or difference.  

As the two student government presidents representing all students on campus, we want to assure every student on campus that UISG and GPSG are deeply committed to safety and inclusiveness on campus. Just as vigorously as we fight for students’ rights to voice opinions, we will fight against bigoted-based attacks on any constituency. As we strive to make this campus safer and more inclusive for everyone, we invite the student body as a whole to participate. Educate yourself by participating in bystander intervention or National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) training; speak up when you hear inappropriate comments; reply on Facebook or Twitter when you see bigoted or racist comments online; help to make certain everyone knows that bigotry is not acceptable and will not be tolerated on this campus.Please join us in our mission to make all Hawkeye students feel welcome.  

Joshua Schoenfeld, President, Graduate and Professional Student Government

Elizabeth Mills, President, University of Iowa Student Government