Our heart aches as we see and hear yet another senseless act of hate crime that happened recently to our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community. We recognize that this is not an isolated act of violence – this is a systemic and racist issue that has been happening for hundreds of years. In the past year especially, we have undoubtedly seen an increase in racist and xenophobic attacks against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.

We acknowledge that there is a range of difficult emotions we and our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community members are experiencing due to continual harassment and discrimination, and especially the recent violence against 8 people, including 6 women of Asian descent, in Georgia on Tuesday. These emotions may include hurt, sadness, grief, frustration, heartbreak, anger, fear, and anxiety. We also want to acknowledge that your feelings and responses to this heinous act are valid.

We condemn anti-Asian hate, violence, xenophobia, discrimination, and racism. We are committed to taking decisive action to support our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community and working together to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive community. The Career and Professional Development Center is here to support, in addition to the numerous resources across campus. Click here to access the University of Utah’s statement of solidarity and resources available for support, please reach out if you need to.