October 8, 2014

Dear Harvard College Students,

The threatening emails sent to many of you last Friday impacted our entire community. These despicable emails, which directly targeted our Asian and Asian-American students, created an environment of anxiety and fear across our campus. Now that the HUPD's investigation has concluded that the emails do not pose a credible threat to campus and were sent from abroad, I would like to discuss the events of last week in the context of how they affected our community.

There is more that we at the College can learn about how we communicate during such situations. I know we can do better, and so I invite you to join me in the Parlor Room at the Philips Brooks House on Friday, October 10 at 3 p.m. to discuss the following topics: (1) how we can best work together to support each other when members of our community are the target of threats or discrimination; and (2) how the College can better communicate with our various constituencies in ways that are responsive to the diverse needs and desires of our student body.

I know that I had mentioned that we might be holding a meeting on Friday to discuss your responses to my questions about how we can make time in our hectic schedules for self-reflection and meaningful conversations. In light of recent events, however, I believe it is important to have this conversation first. I will reschedule our meeting about the role of extracurricular activities in our community later in the semester.

I hope to see you on the 10th at the Philips Brooks House.

Warmly,
Dean Khurana