MIAD condemns anti-Asian hate incidents

Long before health officials had confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 in the United States, acts of discrimination and xenophobia against Asian Americans were rising rapidly. Members of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) communities have experienced hundreds of violent attacks in the last year. 

The tragic fatal shooting Tuesday of eight individuals, including six Asian American women, in Atlanta, Georgia, is just one of the many incidents that have traumatized and greatly impacted the APIDA community. We cannot comprehend the pain of the victims’ families and friends. 

MIAD condemns anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes, wherever they may occur. MIAD stands in solidarity with our students, faculty and staff and with other organizations calling for accountability, justice and an end to racism. We see you, we acknowledge the fear you may be living with, and are committed to supporting you.

Resources are available to impacted students and employees as follows:

• Students: Please reach out to Jennifer Crandall, Associate Dean of Students and coordinator of the MIAD Wellness Team. Email: Jennifercrandall@miad.edu
• Employees: Faculty and staff who need support, please reach out to Dusty Hoot, Director of Human Resources. Email: dustinhoot@miad.edu

As a reminder, incidents of bias or discrimination may be reported online at MIAD.edu/report.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion is hosting a Virtual Vigil on Monday, March 22 at 5 p.m. CST.  All members of the MIAD family are invited to join via the Google Meet link emailed.