Ukrainians, Africans Reportedly Facing Racism Have Our Support: Saint Elizabeth Pres.

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Saint Elizabeth University joined the chorus in support of Ukrainians amid Russia's invasion. But University President Dr. Gary B. Crosby also put the focus on one group caught in the crossfire: Africans reportedly facing discrimination when attempting to flee the nation.

"We deplore the human cost of such aggression, including human rights violations, adverse humanitarian consequences, and the loss of human dignity and freedom for those attacked and facing discrimination," Crosby wrote Wednesday.

Africans living in Ukraine have said they were stuck for days at crossings in neighboring countries, held up by Ukrainian authorities who pushed them to the end of long lines and even beat them, according to The New York Times. Foreign students attempting to flee told CNN that they and other non-Ukrainians have been kicked off public transit or left stranded as others went through.

The African Union and Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the treatment of Africans attempting to escape Ukraine, following reports of border guards hindering them from getting out.

Anton Heraschenko, Ukraine's deputy interior minister, denied that the country obstructed foreigners from leaving.

“Everything is simple,” he told The New York Times. “We are first to release women and children. Foreign men must wait for women and children to come forward. We will release all foreigners without hindrance. Same goes for Blacks.”

Saint Elizabeth — a small, Catholic university — has been named among colleges with the "Best Ethnic Diversity" in recent years, according to U.S. News & World Report. Crosby became the university's first Black president in October.

"Let us continue to be guided by the University’s mission, our core values, and the Charism of Charity," Crosby wrote. "And, let us join Pope Francis in prayer for the 'silencing of the guns and the opening of humanitarian corridors to those fleeing the war.'"

Read Crosby's full statement below:

Thanks for reading. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Morristown Patch Facebook page.