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Statement on Anti-Asian Violence

February 16, 2021

Dear Michigan Social Work community -

In the past few days, we have been horrified to read about racially motivated hate crimes involving physical violence and harassment, targeting elderly Asian Americans. These are not isolated events, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassmant and violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander persons, families and communities have increased. These acts damage our society and counter the values of social work practice.

Advancing racial equity and economic inclusion for people of all races and ethnicities is critical to guaranteeing the safety and security of everyone. We will work to activate every member of our community to take a stand against the structures that perpetuate and fuel discrimination and assaults on Asian American and Pacific Islander persons.

Well-Being Resources

Report a Hate Crime

  • University of Michigan
    Call 911 or U-M Department of Public Safety and Security at (734) 763-1131 immediately. You do not need to be a citizen to report a crime and DPSS will not ask about your immigration status.
  • State of Michigan
    If individuals experience incidences of hate, violence or discrimination they can and should report it to their local police department, and contact the Attorney General's office:
    [email protected] or 313-456-0200
  • The Asian Pacific Policy Planning Council
    Report incidences of discrimination

Resource Guide on Anti-Asian Sentiment

Resources including a toolkit, bystander training and information from U-M.

Attend a Town Hall

To gain support and discuss how this issue is affecting you and our community, join the School of Social Work Asian Pacific Islanders Social Work Coalition’s town hall. All are welcome.
February 18, 7-8 PM
RSVP


Hate against some of us harms all of us. We encourage our community — students, staff, alumni and faculty — to acknowledge, amplify, and denounce the ongoing anti-Asian hate crimes. This is our commitment as social workers.

In Solidarity,
Lynn Videka, Dean
Larry Gant, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Director
Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Lecturer and ENGAGE Program Manager, Chair of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC)
Lorraine Gutiérrez, Associate Dean for Educational Programs
Joseph Himle, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Trina Shanks, Director, School of Social Work Community Engagement

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