Guest Column: USU stands with Asians and Asian Americans against hate
This statement was originally published by USU Today.
The recent murder of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in the Atlanta area is a deeply disturbing reminder of the increase in racism and xenophobia against Asians and Asian Americans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though the man charged with murder in the recent shooting denies that his actions were motivated by race, crimes such as this create great anxiety and fear. A recent report shows that Asians and Asian Americans have experienced a 149% rise in hate crimes while hate crimes overall have decreased by 7%.
Utah State University stands in support and solidarity with our Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander Aggies, community members, and friends. USU encourages all Aggies to stand against hate and to report incidents of discrimination and harassment that occur on campus.
It takes each of us to create a respectful and welcoming environment where all individuals feel like they belong.
- If you experience or witness an incident of bias, you can seek support from the university by sharing your concerns.
- Report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to the Office of Equity.
- Report any crime on campus, including hate crimes, to USU Police. Report a crime or reach out to law enforcement anywhere in the state by calling 9-1-1
- Request a training about bias or being an ally on campus.
- Learn about implicit bias and microaggressions.
- Support student clubs and activities offered through the USU Inclusion Center, Global Engagement, the Latinx Cultural Center, and the Center for Intersectional Gender Studies and Research.
- Learn how to be an Upstander and schedule a training.
Noelle E. Cockett,
President