News
Affirming our values by standing with AAPI communities
The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.
I want to affirm that Brandman University stands with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the effort to combat the rising rates of racism and hate crimes that have occurred in the United States since the onset of the pandemic. When we are reminded, as we are by this recent AAPI Hate National Report, of the thousands of crimes perpetrated against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community over the past 12 months, we must lend our support by standing against this intolerable trendline.
Let’s also be mindful that, regardless of the killer’s stated motive, the senseless shooting spree in Atlanta killed eight people. The victims include six women, four of whom have been identified as being of Korean descent. This tragedy has exacerbated feelings of anxiety, anger, and trauma among women and in AAPI communities. By speaking out, we can reaffirm our university’s core values of equity and inclusion by supporting others.Less than a year ago, when Americans were hurt and angry after George Floyd died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, I asked members of our Brandman community to work for a better nation by exercising our civic duties and reflecting on our pivotal place in history. I still believe in the value of these actions.
The wide range of volunteer-based Advisory Initiatives that have taken root within Brandman University since the establishment of our Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI) shows much promise. It is heartening to hear about the many employee and student volunteers who came forward to serve as liaisons to our OEI, build our resources, and offer insights in an array of capacities. Thank you to all involved. If you have not already done so, please visit the OEI webpage to learn how you might engage in this university-wide process.
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