Statement of Support for Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans

April 21, 2021 - Nwando Achebe

The recent escalation of anti-Asian discrimination and violence in our country points to how racism and sexism are inextricably linked. As members of the College of Social Science, we must strongly condemn these acts. As a College we stand with the victims, families, and communities of Atlanta affected by the recent mass shooting that targeted Asian-run massage parlors. It is however important to note that this incident should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a legacy of anti-Asian violence exacerbated by xenophobic fearmongering engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As students, faculty, and staff in the College of Social Science, we stand for transformative justice and change. We must work to build pathways for action and go beyond words. Toward these ends, I invite our students to take a pledge of action that will allow us to create a safe environment for our Asian American and APIDA community at Michigan State University.

 

  1. Commit to creating a welcoming and safe environment for our Asian American and APIDA student family.

  2. Learn all you can about the Asian American and APIDA community.

    1. Peruse the Asian Pacific American Studies

    2. Watch the PBS documentary series, Asian Americans .

    3. Look out for the May edition of our SSC, “From the Desk of The Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)” newsletter, where we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month, and highlight the DEI work of an SSC Asian American student. Share and tag our Asian American Diversity student leader (Diversity Torch) on social media. 

    4. Read up on the Asian American and APIDA community

      1. Esquire, “ 10 Essential Books About the Asian American Experience.” Share and tag your favorite reads on social media and recommend to your friends. 
      2. The Atlantic, Cathy Park Hong, “Why This Wave of Anti-Asian Racism Feels Different”.

    5. MSU has several courses dedicated to the Asian American/APIDA experience. Take a course or two. Consider signing up for our Asian Pacific American Studies Minor.

  3. Display your support in a discernible way.

    1. Be an active bystander.

      1. Speak out against statements, attitudes, or behavior that perpetuate a culture of discrimination against Asian American/APIDA students.
      2. If you feel threatened by discriminatory behavior, please remember that MSU has many resources that respond to harmful acts including:
        1. Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
        2. MSU Misconduct Hotline
        3. University Ombudsperson
      3. You can also find healing and support here:
        1. Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).

    2. Join our Asian Pacific American Student Organization for one of their events. Post photos and tag the event on social media. Encourage your friends to attend. 

    3. Commit to safely patronizing Asian American/APIDA owned businesses—restaurants, stores, massage therapy and health clinics. Share and tag the businesses on social media and recommend to your friends.