We were devastated to learn that a white man attacked and murdered eight people in Atlanta,
six of whom were Asian American women. We want to express our solidarity with the families of
all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from our community and in the country.
We condemn these actions of hate and violence fed by white supremacy and misogyny against
those who have historically been marginalized. These horrible actions were not only based on
racist ideas fueled by the rhetoric around the pandemic, but also a crime against women, in this
case, Asian American women. This is a very sad moment for this country and even more for
Asian American families who now may feel more unsafe than ever. We specifically feel solidarity
with families in our own community who may feel this pain personally. We know that the main
cause of these actions is racism and misogyny, and we need to take action and confront them.
As a school, we recognize that we can also do better. While we have been actively working on
anti-racism and anti-bias in our classrooms and among the staff, we want to give more attention
to Asian American experiences. We commit to reviewing our curriculums, bookshelves, and
discussions, and adjusting them to be more inclusive of Asian American narratives, both
historical and current. For example, we will look to: amplify the stories of Asian imigration to this
continent, and not to center the Mayflower and “colonial” history; to acknowledge the
perspectives on all sides of wars that included Asian countries “against” white countries; to
include Asian Americans who have made important contributions in the study of heroes; and
more.
Racism, misogyny, xenophobia, islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry are present every day
in our society, from a micro level to the macro level. Silence is not an option. We need to
educate more people on these issues and create awareness about the effects of discrimination
and systemic oppression. We commit to taking action. We stand in solidarity with the Asian
American Pacific Islander community. If you are needing support in these times, please let us
know how we can be of service.
In solidarity,
Marco and Tamara