March 20, 2021 Statement on the mass shootings in Atlanta and the rise of anti-Asian violence from the LHSC Diversity and Inclusion Committee We are horrified and saddened by the senseless mass killing of eight people on March 16th in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian. The shooter lashed out toward Asian women as a target of his apparent sexual frustration, revealing the toxicity that racist stereotypes engender. This tragedy comes at a time when we are seeing a disturbing rise in violence and hatred against Asian Americans, and blame erroneously cast against them for the COVID-19 pandemic. We stand with the Asian American community and condemn any form of violence, harassment, or blame, and urge everyone to speak out and to defend all members of our community, especially those who are unable or unwilling to speak for themselves. As students, educators, and professionals in communication, we recognize our responsibility to investigate, understand, and to advance the dialogue on the racism and misogyny that motivated the attack. Only when the stories we tell include the perspectives and experiences of our entire community, and grapple with the truth of systemic racism, harmful stereotypes, and the legacy of white supremacy can we move forward as a nation. For additional resources to inform coverage of the Asian American community, please visit the Asian American Journalists Association , the Asian American Legal Defense Fund, or Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Atlanta . Our sympathies go out for the families and friends of the victims.
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