Our country and community are hurting.
We are deeply saddened by the continued prevalence of violence and attacks towards individuals in our country, and we acknowledge the impacts that these tragic events have on members of our community. We are struggling with the grief and pain that is a result of these events. We condemn these senseless acts of violence, and the loss of life that occurred in Atlanta and Boulder is devastating.
That some of these violent acts are occurring against individuals because of their race or skin color is of great concern. Over the last year, we have seen an uptick in Anti-Asian hate and violence. I would like our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to know that these events continue to be distressing and unacceptable. We want to ensure that you know that we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.
The shooting on Monday afternoon in Boulder is another tragedy that is triggering and traumatizing. I would like to express my deep condolences to the victims’ families, the Boulder community, and to our students, staff and faculty in the college who have been directly impacted by Monday’s shooting.
As a College community, our actions must speak louder than our words. It is especially important in such times that we must support each other as we continue to confront any acts of violence, racism, xenophobia, harassment, or discrimination — in our work environments as well as in the world around us. We can only advance if we advance together.
If you are hurting or need help, you are not alone. There are a number of resources available on campus– for students (https://health.colostate.edu/) and for faculty/staff (https://eap.colostate.edu/). The Office of the Vice President for Diversity has a tremendous list of resources and education materials that identify ways you can support the AAPI community and further commit to anti-racist actions.
Please take care, and take care of each other.
David I. McLean, Professor and Dean, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
