BSOS Statement on Coronavirus and Our Community

The University of Maryland and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences are working diligently to provide timely information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our community. For updates and best practices, visit umd.edu/virusinfo.

Attracting talented students, researchers, faculty and visitors from around the world is vitally important to the BSOS mission. The delay or suspension of international programs or initiatives in no way diminishes their importance.  We are committed to providing full support so that regular activities can resume as soon as possible.  

Here in BSOS, we realize that understandable worry and anxiety about public health can sometimes lead to alarming and unacceptable consequences, namely manifestations of bias, discrimination, and even hate directed against people who originate—or who are presumed to originate—from countries affected by illnesses, including coronavirus. 

UMD and BSOS have zero tolerance for bias, discrimination, or hate. University leadership at all levels will undertake vigorous measures to prevent and mitigate the targeting of individuals and communities. I would like to highlight the wisdom and support offered by the UMD Office of Diversity and Inclusion in a recent statement.

As dean, I urge all members of the BSOS community to adopt a scientific and informed attitude about the coronavirus. Let us unite to create a healthy, informed and welcoming environment within our college, to all people at all times.

Sincerely,

Gregory F. Ball
Dean and Professor

Published on Fri, Mar 6, 2020 - 4:52PM