March 19, 2021
Dear William Paterson Community,
The horrific killings of eight people in Atlanta on Tuesday, most of them women of Asian descent, are yet another stark reminder of the pervasiveness and grim consequences of the violent racism and misogyny that plague our nation and the rhetoric that encourages hate, which ultimately prevents us from living up to our ideals of equality and justice for all. We mourn for those lost and for their families and communities.
It cannot be ignored that these events have been preceded by many months in which cities across the country have seen spikes in hate crimes against members of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community, particularly, and even more shockingly, against elderly members of these communities. And that all of this violence and hate comes amid a year-long pandemic in which the xenophobia and ignorance of many, from national leaders to people on the street, have fed the dangerously false notion that APIDA people are responsible.
These acts are yet further reminders – as if any more were needed – that we must act against racism and sexism in all forms throughout our local and national communities. This kind of violence does not spring forth from nowhere. It is what happens when the kind of pervasive racism and sexism all too common throughout society intersects with dangerously violent individuals and groups. We must condemn hate and bigotry and join all members of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community in solidarity. In light of the horrific crime in Atlanta, it is particularly important to understand the underpinnings of the intersection of race and gender and bring attention to the threat of sexual abuse and racial violence targeted at women, especially women of color. We must work collectively to end the tide of racism and misogyny from which the killings in Atlanta and so many other acts of hatred and violence spring.
I am proud that, as a University, we are engaged in identifying and addressing racism and other forms of oppression, as indicated in part by the strong showing for Dr. Shaun Harper’s recent delivery of the Inaugural President’s Diversity Lecture. Clearly, this work must and will continue. In the meantime, let’s do what we do best as a strong community – support each other and lift each other up.
At this troubling time, may we take some measure of hope in knowing that, as much work as there remains to be done, our community is doing its part to reject hatred and bigotry and promote equity and justice. Let’s keep at it. A great way to do so and show support for the APIDA community is by taking part in some of the many great events scheduled as part of William Paterson’s current Asian Cultural Celebration.
