03/17/2021
We, SIPASA, write to acknowledge the horrible, violent event that took place last night (March 16th) in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the past year, almost 3,800 incidences of violence against persons of Asian descent have been reported, more frequently by women of Asian descent, in part due to the increasing xenophobia related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These attacks have been further exacerbated due to the irresponsible and inaccurate rhetoric used by the media and persons in power. We grieve with our fellow Asian and AAPI students, faculty and staff who are hurting at this time and stand alongside you in your pain.
Unfortunately, anti-Asian bias and hate crimes are not new in this country and have only accelerated during these past months. As much as we can verbally stand in solidarity with our AAPI brothers and sisters, we encourage the SIPA community to take this time to evaluate our own shortcomings and ask ourselves if we have contributed to any forms of normalized racism against Asians and Asian-Americans. We encourage SIPA students to watch out for each other when walking home at night or to call out casual racism in conversations. If we truly wish to stop discrimination and violence against Asian and Pacific Islander communities, it starts with our own thoughts, words and actions.
We express our support for the Asian and Asian-American community and remind you of the resources and support groups that are available on campus and beyond:
On Campus Support:
Columbia Health Ongoing Support Groups
The Exploration of Asian Racial/Ethinic Identity During COVID-19 Support Group happens every Thursday @ 2:00 PM.
Please reach out to
[email protected] or [email protected] with "Asian Identity" in the subject line.
Schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Counseling and Psychological Services by calling 212-854-2878
Visit the SIPA Wellness Program Website
Schedule a Wellness Chat with Dean Pagán
Accounts to Follow to Learn More:
Opportunities to Donate:
AAPI Community Fund - https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/stop-aapi-hate
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum Georgia Chapter - https://www.napawf.org/donate
Red Canary Song- https://www.redcanarysong.net/
Upcoming Events in NYC:
Black & Asian Solidarity by Running To Protest
Sunday 3/21, 10 AM at Union Square
5k socially distanced run at a casual pace
Show up in a white or black top. Wear a mask!
Rally Against Hate
Sunday 3/21, 1 PM at Columbus Park
Empowering the community with live music, guest speakers, and conscious conversations while supporting local businesses
