Statement of support for our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian Communities
Over the past year, racism and hate crimes directed toward the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian (APIDA/A) community have been ever growing. The politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and the hateful, anti-Asian rhetoric it generated inflamed already existing racist stereotypes, stigmatizing people of Asian descent by perpetuating prejudice and bigotry. The result is the despicable actions of violence and discrimination against the Asian community we have all witnessed recently.
The MSU College of Natural Science (NatSci) condemns all anti-Asian sentiments and actions and mourns the victims of the recent attacks in Atlanta. We fully support President Stanley’s statement and stand in solidarity with the MSU APIDA/A community. We denounce white supremacy and reaffirm our commitment to work toward eliminating racism and other forms of oppression in our community, including xenophobia and misogyny.
Events
For students (CAPS event):
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) staff have been hosting a monthly “Listening Space” for APIDA/A students who would like to share and connect about their experiences in a Zoom environment. The next virtual listening space will be Wednesday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. All domestic, international, and multiracial/multiethnic students are welcome: https://caps.msu.edu/_assets/2021SpringAPIDAListeningSpace.pdf
For faculty, staff, and administrators (OCAT Green Table):
- The Office of Cultural & Academic Traditions (OCAT)’s Green Table will be hosting WE ARE APIDA! on March On, March 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon: https://ocat.msu.edu/ocats-green-table. This APIDA Heritage Month edition centers the experience of APIDA student leaders as they navigate an anti-Asian pandemic environment. Join us to listen, learn, and empower our MSU student leaders. This episode is especially geared toward MSU faculty, staff, and administrators.
Additional information and resources are available via the link to President Stanley’s statement above.
Banner image: The Michigan State University College of Natural Science (NatSci) is committed to creating a safe, collaborative and supportive environment in which differences are valued and all members of the NatSci community are empowered to grow and succeed. We commit to providing equitable opportunity for all.
