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Statement on Anti-Asian Violence

March 8, 2021

UCONN ASSOCIATION FOR ASIAN AMERICAN FACULTY AND STAFF (AAAFS)

STATEMENT ON ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE

The first cases of Covid-19 in the United States were reported in January 2020, and since that time there has been a massive increase in anti-Asian violence across the United States. STOP AAPI HATE notes that hundreds and sometimes thousands of reported incidents occur every month. They report that incidents of verbal attacks, avoidance, physical assault, online harassment, and being spit upon are the most common forms. A recent New York Times article article also details many of the abhorrent and deplorable crimes and actions that have targeted Asians over the last year. It is a sad compendium of history and facts that delves into the nuances and complications related to anti-Asian racism. Nationally, attacks are most common in businesses, public streets and sidewalks, parks, online and in public transit, but they also happen here at UConn.

UConn’s commitment to combatting anti-Asian racism began in 1987 with an episode of students’ verbal attacks and spitting on other Asian American peers. What can we say has changed in 33 years? Certainly, our resolve and commitment to the community has only strengthened in these decades, while the number of Asians and Asian Americans at the University has grown significantly. At UConn, there are thousands who identify as Asian and Asian American: 12.7% of the University’s workforce (faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate assistants; Fall 2019), and 10.5% of our students (Fall 2020). In addition, a significant percentage of our international students come from Asian countries.

Mike Keo, Activist-in-Residence of UConn’s Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, started the social media campaign #IAMNOTAVIRUS to humanize Asians and Asian Americans targeted by hateful rhetoric, and to counter this virulent and unwarranted malice. We release this statement in the same spirit, to:

draw appropriate attention to the intensifying violence against Asians in America;
formally state our position in this ongoing conflict of systems, cultures, histories, and sensibilities;
and call upon faculty, staff, administrators, and all UConn students and stakeholders to rise to the challenge of actively opposing racism and hate against Asians, all marginalized groups, and all peoples of color.
We state as clearly and as boldly as we can: all of this has impacted us, the Asians and Asian Americans at UConn. What is happening is wrong and we must stand together to not only identify and call-out this kind of behavior and its bad actors; but we must work systemically and synergistically to change culpable aspects of our university and society, to ultimately eradicate this malignancy.

Though today’s political climate often attempts to polarize such issues and concerns, we hope that you will see that this is not a political comment. Rather, it is a call for solidarity and commitment, 2

awareness and understanding, attention and action. We stand with our fellow peer groups and associations, institutes and centers, and student organizations at UConn that are committed to combating the prejudiced, racist, harmful, and violent actions and words that attempt to marginalize and divide us even further. We hope that all of UConn will not only stand behind us, your Asian and Asian American colleagues, but stand with us, as we form even greater bonds and grow in numbers and strength across the university.

For we refuse to wear the moniker of the ‘model minority.’ Because of this racial stereotype, Asian Americans are too often left out of discussions of racial justice, thus ignoring our pain, minimizing our feelings, and assuming a passive response. We call on the University’s Administration to formally recognize that anti-racist work must account for the historical legacy and impact of racism on all peoples of color, including Asians. Further, we call on the University’s Administration to not only condemn recent acts of violence against Asians, but also consciously recognize the impact that these acts have on our UConn family. Even during the unprecedented times we are living through now—battling the Covid-19 pandemic; addressing the scourge of systemic racism; and navigating economic insecurity and inequity for millions of people—we ask the UConn Administration to see that this is exactly the right time to ensure, specifically and concretely, that the lens of justice sees all shades of Yellow, Black, and Brown.

As part of our work as a cultural organization at the University, we will host a virtual panel on March 18, from 5-6:30pm. “Asians in America: Anti-Asian Violence and the Fight Against Invisibility” will feature UConn students, faculty, and staff; provide perspectives on today’s climate and its impact on UConn’s Asian and Asian American community; shed light on our experience; and galvanize anti-racist efforts that will benefit us all. To register for the event, please click here.

We also encourage you to access resources and organizations such as STOP AAPI HATE, HateIsAVirus.org, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and Chinese for Affirmative Action, to name a few. At UConn, please communicate with your peers and colleagues, with your supervisors, and with the administration, to let them know where you stand, and your need for allyship and support.

The Association for Asian American Faculty and Staff hopes that we can work more closely with you and yours each and every day to combat racism, stifle prejudice, and ultimately deconstruct the systems and structures at our university and within society that uphold the American caste system where all shades darker than white are consciously and subconsciously considered less-than.

This struggle began centuries ago; it takes on new forms today; and will continue tomorrow, and the next. If our work helps us to achieve greater unity, then we will have found success.

Yours in solidarity,

The Executive Board of the Association for Asian American Faculty and Staff

The Asian American Cultural Center

The Asian and Asian American Studies Institute

CONTACT: asacc@uconn.edu

President’s Statement on Anti-Asian Violence and Bias

 

Dear UConn Community,

One of the most alarming and upsetting developments of the past year stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic has been a surge of hate crimes, bias incidents, and racist bullying directed against the Asian community throughout our country. Since the pandemic began last year, many Asians and Asian Americans around the United States have been the target of acts of hate and violence, with a disturbing number of crimes directed against the elderly.

Make no mistake: The hatred that lies behind these crimes is not new. Violence against Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities has deep roots in the history of the United States. It is the duty of each one of us to face up to that history, and to the contemporary manifestations of it that happen on our streets, businesses, and schools every day.

As a scholarly community devoted to the highest principles of human achievement, UConn must stand resolutely against hatred, discrimination, and violence when directed at Asians, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, or anyone else targeted by these malignant forces.

We can start by doing something as simple as reaching out to our friends, fellow students, and colleagues to offer our support, friendship, and care. The pressure that the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander members of our community are facing is intense, and by refusing to be bystanders to hate, by offering to stand in solidarity with our fellow Huskies, we can help ease that pressure.

Additionally, I am encouraging all of us to attend the virtual seminar Asians in America: Anti-Asian Violence & the Fight against Invisibility, scheduled for Thursday, March 18 at 5 p.m. We should all also become familiar with the resources and perspectives of the Asian American Cultural Center, which provides a welcoming and sustaining environment for students, faculty, and staff. Another important resource is the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, which is at the center of intellectual efforts to advance knowledge related to the experiences of people of Asian descent. This institute has been a vital partner in the mobilization of responses to anti-Asian violence and a longtime advocate for racial justice.

The national surge in hate crimes and bias incidents can be severely damaging to mental health, even for those who have not directly been victims. We are a community that cares for each other. As such, remember to seek help if you need it. UConn offers a number of resources to provide support during this time, including Student Health and Wellness, the Dean of Students Office, and our Cultural Centers. Faculty and staff can seek support from the Employee Assistance Program. Support and resources for faculty and staff can also be found through campus affinity groups. All of these resources are available whether you are located on campus or remotely.

Most importantly, I want to offer my personal commitment to the Asian and Asian American members of the UConn community: You are seen and heard. Your history, your struggle, and your contributions are not invisible, but an essential and indispensable part of the University of Connecticut. This is a painful time, but I know that together we will overcome this challenge.

Sincerely,
Tom

Thomas Katsouleas
President, University of Connecticut

Message from the Office of the Provost

February 22, 2021

This message was sent to Deans, Associate Deans, and Department Heads

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share an update on two recent bias incidents on the Storrs campus.

On Friday, a swastika was found drawn on the wall of the men’s bathroom in the Biology/Physics Building. Later that day, the University was also informed of graffiti of an anti-Black racial slur discovered in the same facility. These actions are abhorrent and harmful to the diverse students, faculty, and staff who call UConn home.

We are appreciative of the individuals who reported the graffiti to the University through inform.uconn.edu. The UConn Police are investigating the incident and University administration is following bias response protocol. The graffiti has been removed, after the police were able to document it. At this time, the individual or individuals responsible have not been identified. Although it is likely that additional investigative leads will be limited, should the individuals responsible be identified, we will share that information.

Our bias response protocol has several objectives, including raising awareness when these incidents occur, providing information about the University’s response, and offering resources to support affected communities and educate our community. Given the public location of this incident, we cannot determine all of the populations who may have encountered this graffiti, so we are reaching this broader group to ask for your help in sharing this information and resources with your faculty, staff, and students.

A list of resources to consult:

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Office for Diversity and Inclusion
African American Cultural Center
Africana Studies Institute
Dean of Students
Faith at UConn
Hillel
Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Life
These incidents are troubling and show we still have work to do in building a community and culture that is inclusive of all our diverse members. We appreciate your partnership as leaders in identifying bias incidents and connecting your communities to resources to recognize and respond to acts that threaten the safety and well-being of members of our community.

If you have further questions, you are welcome to reach out to any member of the Provost’s Office leadership team, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Dean of Students.

Sincerely,
Carl

Carl Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Convocation

January 1, 2021

2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Convocation Poster featuring Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ibram Kendi

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion is happy to announce that Dr. Ibram Kendi, a renowned historian and leading antiracist scholar, will be the keynote speaker at the 2021 MLK Jr. Living Legacy Convocation.

Topic: How to be Antiracist: Implications for Individuals, Institutions and Society

Date: January 21, 2021

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm

Format: Virtual

Other performances include:
Spoken Word - Carl Dean Jr.
Musical Performance - Voices of Freedom

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

We thank Alumni Relations for supporting us with UConn Alumni registration.

Message from the Office for Diversity and Inclusion

September 25, 2020

September 25, 2020

Dear UConn Students, Faculty and Staff:

We are living in perilous times! Every aspect of our lives is being ravaged by the dual threats of racialized violence and the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a university community, we are committed to creating campus environments that enhance, enrich and elevate the rich tapestry of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our beloved UConn community.

We abhor discrimination, bigotry, prejudice and acts of racialized violence and will not condone or tolerate acts that desecrate and disrespect any segment of our community.
As we long for peace, justice and healing, we mourn for Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Eric Garner, Armadou Diallo, Ahmaud Arbery, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Atatiana Jefferson, Trayvon Martin, Stephon Clark, Alton Sterling, Philandro Castile, Sandra Bland, Jacob Blake and many others. May they rest in peace!

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with the H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center and the many University Schools, Departments, Centers and Institutes will continue to advocate for a beloved University community committed to Justice, Peace and Action.

In closing, may love fulfill you, may peace enfold you and may hope envelope you.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Frank Tuitt | Chief Diversity Officer | UConn Office for Diversity & Inclusion

Statement from ODI & Student Affairs

To the UConn Community:

As you know, last weekend the word “Black,” in the “Black Lives Matter” message that was painted on the Spirit Rock on the Storrs campus was scratched out and replaced with “All,” altering the statement to read “All Lives Matter.”

We write to share an update: After reviewing the incident, including video footage in which the license plate of the individual responsible was visible, the university determined that the person has no known current connection to UConn – meaning they are not a student or an employee – and they do not live in Mansfield.

While we are relieved that the person responsible is not a member of our community, that doesn’t change what took place, which we saw as an unmistakable attempt to antagonize and demean people on our campuses, especially in the context of national events. We deeply regret the harm that this incident has had on members of our community.

After consulting with the state’s attorney’s office, it was determined that this harmful act didn’t constitute a crime under state statute and no charges would apply. Even so, painting the Spirit Rock is a campus tradition that is intended solely for UConn students and student organizations. We will update our policy on the rock to reflect this. While that by itself won’t prevent something similar from happening, it is our hope that it will give the university greater leverage in addressing it.

Sincerely,

Franklin Tuitt, VP & Chief Diversity Officer

Michael Gilbert, VP for Student Affairs