Statement on AAPI hate crimes in the U.S.
We, the members of the University of Toledo Counseling Center (UCC), join the rest of the Toledo community in expressing our grief, sorrow, and compassion to all those who have been impacted by the race-based tragedies that have been occurring across our nation.
Hate crimes, ostracism, propaganda, and racism targeted toward Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals have been present in the US since the 1800’s. The rhetoric that has been promoted against AAPI communities in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic has been hateful and harmful to these communities. The recent losses of life in Atlanta, Georgia and senseless assaults on the physical welfare of AAPI members has garnered national attention and increased awareness to some of the challenges and risks for this community. We acknowledge that racism continues to be pervasive in our society and can take many forms such as hate crimes, microaggressions, systemic oppression, as well as complacency, maintaining status quo, and colorblind ideologies. We, the UTCC team, recognize the relentless impact that prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination have on your sense of safety, mental health and well-being, and we are here if you need to talk. Our staff acknowledges and understands that reactions may vary and may include sadness, fear, outrage, a sense of helplessness, disbelief, and a feeling of endangerment, as well as a desire for increased unity or solidarity, empathy, and a heightened motivation to pursue social justice. We aim to move beyond making statements of support to embodying a culture of inclusiveness, safety, affirmation, and care. UCC is committed to affirming and providing care for all of our students who have been directly or vicariously impacted by trauma caused by racism, bigotry, prejudice and indifference.
We will continue to assess and identify additional ways to be present for our Rockets while we too accept the call to engage in our own learning and advocacy. We have compiled a list of mental wellness resources for AAPI and International Students that can be found here. Though supporting our students who feel directly impacted by racism is paramount, we also strongly advocate for the education and allyship of all students, faculty, and staff to truly improve the human condition for all of its members and promote a safe environment for all individuals. Visit https://stopaapihate.org/ for more information and resources.
In Memoria
Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33
Xiaojie Tan, 49
Daoyou Feng, 44
Paul Andre Michels, 54
Elcias R Hernandez-Ortiz, 30
Hyun Jung Grant, 51
Soon Chung Park, 74
Suncha Kim, 69