SLCC Stands with Our Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

Our SLCC community is mourning another violent attack in our nation. The shocking death of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in Atlanta at the hands of a violent man, is devastating and part of a deeply disturbing trend of increased crime against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. At SLCC, we strongly condemn this most recent hateful act as well as others that have occurred during the past year. We stand with members of our Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, on our campuses and throughout the nation, and grieve with them. Our thoughts are also with the victims of this most recent incident and their families.

Since the start of the pandemic, some of SLCC’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, staff and faculty have experienced elevated fears and anxiety over the uptick in violence directed toward their communities. As the most diverse higher education institution in Utah, we strive to create and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and one way we do this is by condemning hate and bigotry wherever it is found. We ask everyone in our Bruin family to do all they can to support their fellow community members and actively stand against racism and xenophobia. If you experience or witness an incidence of bias at SLCC, please don’t hesitate to report it by filling out our Hate and Bias Incident Report Form. 

Please, also be especially mindful of our SLCC AAPI students, staff and faculty who may be suffering. For more information on how we can serve as allies with the Asian community, please check out “Centering Our Asian Identity,” a cultural guide created by our Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and Asian Student Association advisor Matthew Wong. 

Again, our hearts are with all who have been affected by this tragedy. Know that SLCC stands with you, now and always. If you or anyone you know needs extra support during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Center for Health and Counseling, or if you are an employee, our Employee Assistance Program.