The mass shooting in Atlanta on Tuesday that killed eight people, six of them Asian, has placed a spotlight on the surge of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. The Stop Asian American and Pacific Islander Hate (AAPI) Center reported 3,795 incidents from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, noting that many more incidents go unreported. In addition, according to a Pew Research Center survey, about three-in-ten Asian adults (31%) say they have been subject to slurs or jokes because of their race or ethnicity since the outbreak began.
To be sure, the pandemic of racism long predates the coronavirus pandemic, and as we prepare for a return to normalcy, we must resist normalizing racism. Olympic College stands in solidarity with our AAPI community as well as other communities of color, who are the targets of hate, discrimination and bias. If you or someone you know experiences any of these behaviors, please consider using the resources below:
- OC Report It: If you experience or witness an act of Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation, you can use this tool do document and report these acts, anonymously if you desire.
- Olympic College Counseling Services: Licensed counselors are available to help students process these deeply emotional experiences.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees can access this free, confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public employees. Visit the EAP website to access their services and complete on online referral request.
- Stop AAPI Hate: Visit Stop AAPI Hate to view data and report incidents of hate targeting American Asians and Pacific Islander.
Thank you,
Cheryl L. Nuñez
Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/Title IX Coordinator
CSC 540 I @email I (360) 475-7125
