Supporting our Asian American Community

Dear Aggies:

I want to share this poignant and important note from Dr. McGowan whose message in support of our Asian American students and community – and against hatred everywhere – is essential to who we are as Aggies. Thank you, Dr. McGowan. I join you in offering this message to all on behalf of Texas A&M.

John Junkins
Interim President

 

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

The shooting deaths of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in Atlanta is a tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathy to the loved ones, and to the communities in Atlanta and across the United States that have been deeply affected by this violence.

Incidents of hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have increased at an alarming rate over the past year. The pandemic has brought a great deal of uncertainty to our lives, along with potential for misinformation that can be harmful or destructive to our campus and communities. It is the shared responsibility of all of us to embrace and support individuals from a wide range of identities, perspectives, viewpoints and experiences with full understanding and sensitivity.

To promote a safe and inclusive Aggie community, we encourage you to report acts of hatred, discrimination, or bias toward a member of the Aggie community using Stop Hate. The Office for Diversity also provides a toolkit of resources and self-care tips for addressing xenophobia and anti-Asian racism.

For information and support for coping with fear, grief, anger and anxiety, and developing self-care strategies, Texas A&M’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) in the Division of Student Affairs provides a comprehensive list of resources: Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19.

Finally, spread our Aggie core value of Respect far and wide. Without Respect, fear and ignorance can take hold of our communities. As Aggies, we will not engage in fearmongering. As Aggies, we embrace our core value of Leadership by modeling affirming behaviors and rejecting bias and discrimination. As Aggies, we can show others how to support and protect people on our campus and in our communities from social stigma and discrimination.

Sincerely,

Annie McGowan, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity
Gina and William H. Flores Endowed Professor in Business