A Message on the Atlanta Murders and WEAI’s Asia In Action Initiative
We at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute condemn the tragic murders in Atlanta and the continued violence and discrimination against Asians and Asian-Americans. We mourn the lives of Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Yue, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, and Daoyou Feng. Our hearts are heavy for their families and their loved ones, as well as for all victims of racist violence. While law enforcement continues to debate the official motive of these killings by Robert Aaron Long, it is impossible to extricate this act of violence from a long history of racial discrimination and misogyny.
These recent acts of hate are not isolated incidents, but belong to a larger, ongoing pattern of anti-Asian/American violence that ranges from the targeted persecution of scientists of Chinese descent in academia and industry to the everyday abuse occurring on our streets and in our communities. These incidents are embedded in the nation’s long history of anti-Asian sentiment and action, which includes the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Japanese internment during WWII. They are also the direct result of the hateful speech and rhetoric that has become common at the highest levels of our government, as well as in society at large. As illustrated by the use of such terms for the coronavirus as “China Virus” and “Kung Flu,” anti-Asian/American hatred grows out of—even as it promotes—ignorance and fear.
As we noted in our March 8, 2021 statement decrying the recent increase in anti-Asian violence, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute is dedicated to contributing to and promoting the understanding of East Asia, its surrounding regions, and East Asia in the world. It is in keeping with our mission, therefore, that we announce a new WEAI initiative, “Asia in Action: Knowledge and Inclusion in a Time of Ignorance and Fear.” We welcome proposals and submissions for programming related to this urgent issue. We agree with President Biden and Vice-President Harris, who noted last Friday in their public condemnation of violence against the AAPI community, that silence is a form of complicity.
We have also launched a dedicated webpage for faculty articles and interviews, programming, and resources for addressing racism and anti-Asian discrimination.
Finally, GSAS has compiled the following list of resources. We hope you will consider making the most of them:
Ways to Get Involved
- Report incidents of anti-Asian hate and bias at StopAAPIHate.org, and join forces with others across the nation working to ameliorate these harmful sentiments and the violence they produce
- Get core training in antiracism frameworks and action, by the Asian American Justice + Innovation Lab
- Learn about programming, resources, and services provided by the GSAS Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion on our website, or contact us at [email protected].
- Join the Taskforce on Inclusion and Belonging at Columbia or consider other ways to engage diversity through the Office of University Life.
- Participate in the Identity and Inclusion series of workshops offered to all Columbia students, faculty, and staff by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in Columbia College.
- Volunteer your time, knowledge, and skills to make an impact on and with the communities that are host and neighbor to our institution.
- Report instances of bias and discrimination toward yourself or others.
If You Seek Support
- Access virtual health and counseling services on both the Morningside and CUIMC campuses.
- Connect to spiritual resources and support through the office of Religious Life.
- Contact the GSAS Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion to speak with someone about your experiences or concerns, and learn about additional resources.
Sincerely,
Eugenia Lean
Director, Weatherhead East Asian Institute