Dear Colleagues and Friends:
These past days have been filled with sadness and grave concern, as we witness the horrific
events of violence that are taking place in Gaza and Israel. Many in our community have ties to
people in this region either through family, friends, and colleagues, and our heart goes out to all
who are affected by these senseless events. We encourage all members of our community to
sustain an inclusive, understanding and supportive environment, one that is respectful of
different perspectives, condemning of violence and hatred in all forms.
We hope for the possibility of peace and healing for all, and encourage those in need to reach
out for support from the following services available to all Duke faculty, staff, and students:
● Students should visit https://medschool.duke.edu/student-wellness for a list of wellness
resources and support services.
● Personal Assistance Service (PAS) (919-416-1727) offers free confidential support and
counseling to all employees, including faculty, staff, and postdocs, and to their benefit eligible
dependents.
● The Duke International Student Center (DISC), located in Smith Warehouse, coordinates
outreach and support to international students across the graduate, professional and
undergraduate student population. DISC engages many international students to ensure
timely support during moments of uncertainty in their home region.
● Duke’s identity and cultural centers, including DISC and the LIFE office, provide
education, advocacy and support for Duke students, including students with extended
families living outside the United States.
JEDI committee and Leadership of the Department of Biochemistry