Dear UCI Students,

As most of you may be aware, there has been an uptick of violence and hate acts towards the Asian American community in the United States. We must always stand up against anti-Asian racism and violence wherever it occurs. Vice Chancellor Doug Haynes shared a message on Monday with important resources articulating UCI’s stance on confronting extremism and anti-Asian racism and crimes. The Stop Asian American Pacific Islander Hate organization recorded more than 2,500 reports of Anti-Asian hate related incidents in 2020 across the U.S.(from the March 2020 – August 2020 Stop AAPI Hate National Report).

The events that took place in Georgia last night are another example of the anti-Asian violence that has us processing our feelings. In addition, early reports indicate gender-based violence as a contributing motivation. We know community members are hurting right now and may be experiencing fear and pain among other emotions. Keeping this in mind, here are some resources to consider:

Please use Counseling Center resources or other wellness resources from various departments at UCI including the Womxn’s Hub and Campus Assault Resources & Education.

Encourage students to take advantage of the resources offered from many of our support centers listed here at Student Life & Leadership and across campus.

Report any acts of intolerance to the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity.

UCI Guidelines on Discrimination and Harassment http://www.policies.uci.edu/policies/procs/700-18.php

Refer to the virus and pandemic as “coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” or “SARS-CoV-2” in both written and oral communication.

Confront stereotypes as an active bystander and educate each other on Asian and Asian American experiences, narratives and stories drawing on the vast diversity within the community.

Continue to put into practice our Principles of Community and refer to the Statement of Principles Against Acts of Intolerance.

In case of emergency or a crime being committed, immediately dial 911 or 949.824.5223 for assistance.

These problems are bigger than the headlines and micro/macroaggressions that come up in our community, and this involves all of us pushing back on ignorance and hate with education and conviction. We remain committed to supporting our Anteater students during this time and always.

Please be safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Rameen Talesh, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Life & Leadership
Dean of Students