March 22, 2021

Statement in Response to the Atlanta Shootings
and the Rise in AAPI Hate Crimes

We are deeply saddened by the horrendous Atlanta-area mass shooting on March 16 that took the lives of eight innocent victims — six of whom were women of Asian descent. We express our grief over the loss of these individuals and extend our deepest sympathies to their families and to the entire community. 

This tragedy has once again brought to the forefront the issue of hate crimes, violent acts and discrimination against Asians and Asian Americans in the United States. Over the past year (March 2020 through February 2021), roughly 3,800 incidents of violence and racism have been reported to the advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate. As a country, we must work together to end the racism and violence against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

At the University of Houston College of Education, we are proud to house the Asian American Studies Center and to be part of a diverse university federally designated as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution. 

As a college community, we must stand together in strongly denouncing discrimination, racism, bigotry, sexism, violence and hate crimes and take action to support the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander community here and across the nation. Let us take collective responsibility for building a hate-free, safe and harmonious learning community for all.  

If you need assistance, please reach out to our staff in the Asian American Studies Center. If you are interested in serving on a work group as part of the College’s Committee to Advance Equity, Justice, & Belonging, please complete this form. 

In solidarity, 

Yali Zou, Director (yzou@uh.edu) 
Gayle Curtis, Program Manager (gcurtis2@uh.edu) 
An Nguyen, Clinical Assistant Professor (anguyen116@uh.edu) 
UH Asian American Studies Center 

Bob McPherson, Dean 
UH College of Education 

Tiffany J. Davis and Sam Brower, Co-Leads 
UHCOE Committee to Advance Equity, Justice, & Belonging