March 2021
It is with profound sadness that we write this letter condemning the horrendous crimes in Atlanta this past week in which eight people, including six women of Asian descent were murdered. The United States has a long history of persistent racism against the Asian and Asian American community and this racist, misogynistic, hate-based violence comes at a particularly difficult moment. As a social justice education program, we promote transformational dialogue across difference and simultaneously stand committed to condemning hate and hate-based violence in all its forms. Our work is precisely aimed to dismantle the systems that create the conditions for such violence.
For those in our own community who have been targeted by anti-Asian hate, please know we stand with you.
We also refer you to statements made by our Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Robert Sellers and our UM President, Dr. Mark Schlissel. There are numerous support groups and events that have formed as a result of the murders in Atlanta and more information about those can be found in their statements. For those who have been impacted by this or other events, we refer you to the following campus resources:
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Students
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Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) – ch/bvmp8
Anyone may also report incidents via our Campus Climate Support resources or to our Division of Public Safety and Security.