Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 3,700 hate crimes against Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people have been reported in the United States, according to Stop AAPI Hate. In the last few weeks alone, there has been a series of incidents targeting senior citizens in California, some of which resulted in fatalities, random attacks on Asian residents in New York City, and the most recent shootings that occurred in Atlanta, GA, resulting in the deaths of eight people, six of whom were identified as Asian women.

As an association, we condemn racist and xenophobic rhetoric, hate and violence of all kinds, and we also recognize that such violence and harassment creates real trauma and negatively impacts the students we serve as well as many members of AUCCCD (along with their family and friends).

AUCCCD’s mission includes a commitment to inclusive excellence and the promotion of social justice. As a Board, and as an organization, we will continue working toward racial equity and integrating inclusive practices to ensure people from all backgrounds are welcome and valued within our organization, can thrive on our campuses and can be safe in our world.

We proudly and unwaveringly stand with our Asian and Asian-American friends, family, students and colleagues.