Statement on Shootings in Georgia

Dear Community,

We are appalled by the shooting deaths in Atlanta at three different locations where 6 of the 8 dead were Asian American women. The country is in the midst of an epidemic of rising anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes. The values of our profession call us to stand up against hate, violence and all its forms.

We are here to offer our support and solidarity with you during this time. Violence against some of us, harms us all, and we know this incident will have a significant impact on our students, faculty, staff, and community.

Our community is grieving and hurting, which is why it is important for us to take time to address our trauma, grief, erasure, and most importantly, HEALING. This is complex, difficult, and necessary work. We urge you to seek self-care and support (resources below), and to report hate if you or someone you know experiences it (see below).

Please reach out to us or the resources below with any support you need during this time.

Sincerely,

Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Lecturer and ENGAGE Program Manager, Chair of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission
Lorraine Gutierrez, Associate Dean for Educational Programs
Lynn Videka, Dean
Katie Lopez, Director of Office of Global Activities

Well-being Resources

• SSW API Coalition Town Hall & Healing Space, Friday, March 19, 5 PM
• The School of Social Work Office of Student Services staff is available to link students to needed resources. Students are also encouraged to reach out to advisors if they face challenges.

• The Winter Semester page has a list of resources to support well-being during this trying time.

If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime, please report it to:

• University of MichiganCall 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.

Other ways to report, include:

• Contact the Department of the Attorney General Hate Crimes Unit if they have knowledge of, or are a victim of, a crime motivated by hate by phone at 313-456-0200 or by email at HateCrimes@michigan.gov
• To file a complaint of unlawful discrimination, contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights by phone at 1-800-482-3604 or go online to Michigan.gov/MDCR and click on the link to File A Complaint.
• The Asian Pacific Policy Planning Council Report incidences of discrimination

Additional Resources:

• A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence against Asian Americans in New York During COVID-19: Impact, Causes, Solutions
• #StopAAPIHate: The Rise Of Violence Against Asian Americans Prompts Community Action
• Michigan Civil Rights Commission, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission issue statement on the increase of violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans