#StopAAPIHate: UCLA Alumni Leaders Call for an End to Anti-Asian Violence
To Our Alumni Community:
The rise in violent attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) has led to more than 3,795 reported anti-Asian hate incidents in the past year. The shootings that took place in Atlanta this week were unconscionable. The entire UCLA alumni community denounces this senseless violence against the AAPI community and the tragic loss of life that took place as a result.
These are not isolated incidents. This violence stems from a history of pervasive racism, misogyny and xenophobia that continually dehumanizes AAPIs. The recent surge in anti-Asian rhetoric throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to amplify incidents of hate and violence perpetrated against the AAPI community.
As leaders of the UCLA Alumni Association, we express our heartfelt condolences to all who have been affected by these acts of hate. We strongly condemn these violent acts of hatred and ask that we, as an alumni community, stand together to combat racism. Let’s live out our True Bruin values by acknowledging, amplifying and denouncing the ongoing anti-Asian hate crimes. Let’s combat racism through care for one another, civic engagement, financial support and leadership in our spheres of influence.
Resilience and connection to our beloved community will allow us to build power, deal with racial trauma and eventually heal through these gruesome attacks. If needed, we encourage you to seek professional support to help cope with and facilitate healing during these difficult times. We would like to share the resources below that may be helpful in processing your experiences:
Hate against any one of us is a threat and harm to all of us. As always, we will continue to support our Bruins and thank you for standing in solidarity with our AAPI community.
With Justice and Hope,
D’Artagnan Scorza ’07, Ph.D. ’13
President,
UCLA Alumni Association
Julie A. Sina, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor,
UCLA Alumni Affairs