The Office for International Students and Scholars stands in support and solidarity with our students and scholars who have been devastated by the racial violence against our Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA), immigrant, and international student communities. On March 16 2021, eight individuals were murdered in a shooting; six of the individuals were Asian American. Sadness, confusion, outrage, and fear are just a few emotions that have been expressed after the news of this tragedy, as well as after each of the nearly 3,800 targeted hate incidents against Asians that have occurred in the last year.
We aim to celebrate and support the diversity our students and scholars bring to our community, and work against the forces that aim to create fear and hatred. Racism and ignorance should not and will not be tolerated. We understand words alone cannot stop these incidents from occurring, and we must also take action.
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will host a virtual #StopAAPIHate Unity Vigil on Thursday, March 25 for us to come together as a community.
Below are statements from across the Washington University community:
- Messages from Washington University Leaders
- Center for Diversity and Inclusion APIDA Solidarity Statement
- WashU Experts: Anti-Asian racism nuanced and often intertwined in misogyny
- Dean Feng Sheng Hu’s statement condemning the anti-Asian violence in Atlanta
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us in the OISS to express your concerns and for further resources. In addition, be sure to refer to Human Resources and Habif Health and Wellness Center’s resources for support for our faculty, staff, and students.