Sent from Provost Rob Winningham to employees on March 18
Dear Colleagues,
Academic Affairs leadership unequivocally condemns the violence perpetrated against the Asian American community in Atlanta. We recognize that this recent violence is not isolated, but rather another example of the violence and aggression perpetrated regularly, and increasingly in the past year, against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
We reaffirm the University’s stated value of Diversity and Respect, and that our practices must be guided by building a community that is a “trustworthy, caring, safe environment for the cultivation of peace, civility and social justice.”
We know that these words alone are not enough, and are continuing to take active steps towards creating a more equitable, inclusive and diverse university.
We support and encourage those in the WOU community who speak out about incidents of hate or violence. We are committed to listening and grappling with the hard work that must occur to change the system that these horrific incidents are rooted in. If you experience or witness an incident of bias, we ask that you use the WOU bias incident report form to report it.
Here are some resources that might be useful in talking about Asian/Asian American bias and violence:
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SRCD webinar on supporting Asian/Asian American Youth
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Learning for Justice (formally Teaching for Tolerance): Addressing Anti-Asian bias
- Resource List compiled by the Asian American Focus Group of the National Council on Family Relations
We must stand together against hate and will continue to work to create a safe environment so in hopes that everyone can learn, work and live without fear.
Rob
