Standing Together Against Racism and Injustice

以下是3月19日星期五，代表院长Peter Kingstone，副院长Leslie Wilson和CHSS公平与包容工作组向人文与社会科学学院社区发送的信息。

Dear Colleagues,

2020 was a challenging year. It ushered in a pandemic, national strife and the rise of acts of violence towards people of color. Unfortunately, the end of the calendar year has not abated this crisis. Throughout the past year we have learned the names of far too many victims of acts of hate. Too many families are mourning, and we are sharing in their pain.

The horrific murders of eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were women of Asian descent, has once again, shocked the nation. This was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a pattern of escalating racism and violence targeting Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Such attacks have been stoked by ignorance and harmful statements. Sadly, these sentiments are not new, but are deeply rooted in our history and have spread during this pandemic.

Simply wishing that these events will stop is not enough. We are witnessing a series of tragedies that require our united attention. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences stands in solidarity with its faculty, staff, and students against hatred, prejudice and all forms of racist behaviors. As an institution of higher education, we will use our resources to the betterment of humankind.  The road to healing can start with education, enlightenment, discussion and community. For we all know that a nation divided cannot stand.

Please stay tuned for announcements on further initiatives and resources from the Deans Office and the CHSS Working Group on Equity and Inclusion.

With best wishes to all who are suffering in this moment of such pain,

Peter Kingstone, Dean
Leslie Wilson, Associate Dean
CHSS Working Group on Equity and Inclusion