March 17, 2021: Statement in support of our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian communities
To the MSU Community,
We recognize that persistent racism against Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA) and Asian individuals and communities has a long history in American society, and it has only been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rise in anti-APIDA and anti-Asian violence in this country, which includes targeting the elderly around recent Lunar New Year celebrations, is abhorrent and goes against everything we stand for here at MSU. And the shootings in Atlanta, along with the constant barrage of intolerance shown against APIDA and Asian people over the course of the pandemic, has evoked more fear and anger among their communities and many underrepresented and marginalized groups. But know that we — the leaders of this institution — stand with our APIDA and Asian students, faculty, staff and alumni to oppose this hate, discrimination and intolerance.
Hateful rhetoric has increased over the past year and exacerbates longstanding issues of racist stereotyping. It is important to recognize that MSU students, staff, faculty and alumni are affected by anti-APIDA and anti-Asian racism and xenophobia, which are antithetical to our commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and ensuring the safety and overall well-being of all Spartans.
We urge everyone to do their part to combat racism and discrimination in all its forms and support one another so that we may build a campus community we are all proud of. Hate has no place at MSU.
Many resources are available to help connect with and provide support for members of the APIDA and Asian communities, and we will work to expand these offerings. If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed hate or bias incidents, please note the places to report and supportive resources below.
Places to report:
Supportive resources:
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS – for students)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP – for faculty and staff)
- University Ombudsperson
For those interested in learning more about APIDA and Asian communities at MSU:
- Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO)
- Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty Staff and Administrators (APIDA/AFSA) Leadership Team
- Asian Pacific American Studies
In solidarity,
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. (he/him)
President
Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. (she/her)
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. (he/him)
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer