The University of Alabama at Birmingham is dedicated to anti-racism and justice, and we firmly condemn hate and violence in all forms. As a community of shared values that include integrity, respect, diversity and inclusiveness, and accountability, we are reminded of the greater social responsibility to use our platform in support of others. Together, we stand in solidarity with those who seek justice in the call to #StopAAPIHate.
Our hearts and minds are saddened to hear about the three recent Atlanta-area attacks that left eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent. Let us be clear. While we grieve the loss of all lives in this situation, the murder of six Asian Americans aligns with a hate crime. The surge of attacks against Asian Americans requires attention and intentional solutions. It is one that is perpetuated by a culture of white supremacy and anti-Asian rhetoric. What happened in Atlanta was not the result of a “bad day.” It was the predictable consequence of systemic oppression and a culture that has led to a rise of hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans in major U.S. cities by nearly 150 percent in 2020 — including more than 3,000 reported incidents since April of last year.
We know that sending love and condolences and reaffirming our shared values are not enough. We must keep working to model inclusive excellence by providing education, raising awareness, and supporting efforts to address society’s ills including but not limited to gun violence, hate crimes, gender-based violence, racism and xenophobia. This work is complicated, and we recognize the immense emotional toll and trauma these continued events of anti-Asian violence have on members of our community, especially when experienced in addition to the global pandemic and ongoing racial violence throughout the United States.
Our immediate focus as an institution is ensuring that our Asian American Pacific Islander community here at UAB feels supported and safe. The UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs remain available to anyone who needs additional support at this time. Our Student Counseling Center (for students) and Employee Assistance & Counseling Center (for employees) are also available. For more information on how to get involved, visit Stop AAPI Hate.
Warmly,
Paulette Patterson Dilworth, Ph.D.
Vice President
