Tag Archives: anti-Asian hate

Anti-Asian Hate Crime on SJSU Campus

Dear campus community,

This morning you received a campus SJSUAlert message about an anti-Asian hate crime attack that targeted a male of Asian descent on our campus early this morning. The suspect was arrested and the victim has received medical care. From what we know both the suspect and victim were not campus affiliates.

As I am sure for many of you, when we read this message our first concern is for the safety of members of our campus community as well as the safety of our local community. We are concerned not just for our physical safety but also for our social psychological safety and well-being. Hate crimes, especially crimes of assault and battery are especially frightening because they can make entire communities feel vulnerable, often altering our sense of safety and even changing our everyday behaviors and routines. It is not unreasonable to feel fearful, vulnerable, powerless or angry even if you have no personal connection to the victim. In the case of anti-Asian hate crimes we are particularly concerned for the most vulnerable in our community: our elders who have been systematically targeted over these last few years. Anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes have escalated in the last two years around the country including here in the Bay Area. And San José State University is not immune from those trends. We understand that this hate is based in white supremacy and systemic racism which permeates our society including media and politics. We know that hate crimes are not isolated incidents. As an institution we stand against hate and hate-based violence. Here are some of the things that are being done:

  • We are working with our local community to provide University Police with materials for AAPI specific resources and services to be distributed to the victim since the victim is not part of the San José State campus.
  • ODEI, Asian Pacific Islander Desi/American Student Success Center (APID/A), Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association, and MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center will continue to reach out and monitor community concerns.
  • We will continue to liaise with Chief Carroll of SJSU UPD to provide opportunities for communicating questions and concerns.
  • We have met with Associated Students President, Nina Chuang to discuss this incident and will continue working together moving forward.

Here are some thing you can do:

In closing, as members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, we want to express our grief and anger at this terrible hate crime that took place on our campus. We also want to let you know that we are here and that our offices and organizations are available to hold space and provide opportunities to process as a community or even one-on-one. For anyone feeling the impacts of this hate crime we have resources available for you to process the many complex emotions you may be feeling during this time. Please know that you are not alone. Whether student or employee, our campus has counseling and resources available to you.Sincerely,Kathleen Wong(Lau), Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity, and InclusionJinni Pradhan, Program Director, APID/A Student Success CenterBonnie Sugiyama, Chair, Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff AssociationChris Yang, Director, MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center
As always, we have resources to help those who may need them. Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services or SJSU Cares, while employees are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program. We also offer a Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) that takes referrals regarding campus community members who may need assistance in terms of mental health support. BIT can consult or can reach out to individuals to provide support. Call 408-924-6339 or use this non-emergency referral form. Below is a list of campus based organizations and resources with staff who are knowledgeable about anti-Asian hate and support on these issues. Please contact them:

Below is a list of local community resources that can provide a starting place for legal and social services where staff are knowledgeable about anti-Asian hate and support on these issues. Please contact them:

Anti-Asian Hate and Atlanta Mass Murders

Dear campus community,

Late Tuesday night, the nation has learned about the horrific details of the killings in Atlanta of eight individuals, six of whom are Asian American women at the hands of a young white male gunman. These victims were targeted at three Asian owned small businesses. We are writing to condemn these murderous acts and to stand in solidarity with the victim’s families, their friends, and our greater APIDA community who feel the frightening and chilling impact of these brutal killings. 

Regardless of the ongoing investigation, we are writing because of the impact these murders are having on Asian Pacific Islander Desi American communities across the country including those who are part of our Spartan community. 

These killings come on the heels of years of rising hate motivated attacks against APIDA individuals throughout the U.S. and especially here in the Bay Area. These attacks have escalated exponentially in the last six months with many of the comments insinuating that people of Asian descent are to be blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The most important thing to understand is that hate incidents and racist incidents have wide reaching impacts no matter how geographically near or far in location. They have the potential to negatively and seriously impact individuals and communities in their homes, workplaces, and  everyday lives out in the world. 

As an educational institution we want to frame these incidents in a context to understand their impact, particularly at a time when our campus is actively working to address systemic racism and particularly anti-Black racism. Here is an introduction to the historical perspectives and context to understand the current anti-APIDA hate attacks:

  • They are a part of a long history of systemic anti-Asian hate in the U.S., particularly in California and the U.S. West since the arrival of APIDA communities in the 1800s.
  • Our relations and conflict with Asian countries has been repeatedly weaponized to perpetuate anti-APIDA hate.
  • APIDA communities are viewed  as “forever foreign in the United States, rather than contributing members of our society; regardless of citizenship or immigration status.” 
  • APIDA women have been targeted over twice the rate of others in racist attacks often hyper-sexualized by stereotypes.
  • Anti-APIDA hate must be understood within the larger context and dynamics of historical White Supremacy. 
  • Words matter, language matters, climate matters.

Unfortunately, as we have seen over the years, these hate motivated attacks are increasing toward many communities. As a community we must be vigilant and continue to come together; not just as these incidents are happening to each community, but to reach out to each other in our everyday work, education, and lives. We need to further our worldviews and understand how we can be active allies to each other so we can support our diverse and intersectional community. 

For more information on anti-APIDA hate incidents go to Stop AAPI Hate

Processing Space-Monday March 22nd

In order to support our APIDA campus community, we invite members of our APIDA community of staff, faculty, and students to a processing space scheduled on Monday, March 22 at 7:00 to 8:30 pm. This space is being collaboratively supported by our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Counseling and Psychological Services; Mosaic Cross Cultural Center; Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association; and the APID/A Task Force. We welcome our community members to join in this group space to share their thoughts, express their feelings, and come together in community. Please register for this space by clicking the button below.

Please note that this processing place is not designed to address those who may be having an urgent mental health crisis.

For Students:

If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance during our hours of operation, there is always a staff member available to assist you either on the phone or in person. Please call 408-924-5910 or visit us in the Student Wellness Center, Room 300B.

For after-hours emergencies, please call 911. If you live on campus, please call campus police at 408-924-2222. You may also call our main number 408-924-5910 after hours and press 4 to connect with the after-hours crisis service.

The County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.

In addition, you may send a text for help: Text ANSWER to 839863. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365. They will help get you through it. 

For Employees:

Counseling for Faculty and Staff

Visit LifeMatters® online for more information. Password: SPARTANS

To speak to someone from LifeMatters® confidentially, call 800-367-7474.

The County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.

In addition, you may send a text for help: Text ANSWER to 839863. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365. They will help get you through it.

Stop AAPI Hate

Dear campus community,

Late Tuesday night, the nation has learned about the horrific details of the killings in Atlanta of eight individuals, six of whom are Asian American women at the hands of a young white male gunman. These victims were targeted at three Asian owned small businesses. We are writing to condemn these murderous acts and to stand in solidarity with the victim’s families, their friends, and our greater APIDA community who feel the frightening and chilling impact of these brutal killings. 

Regardless of the ongoing investigation, we are writing because of the impact these murders are having on Asian Pacific Islander Desi American communities across the country including those who are part of our Spartan community. 

These killings come on the heels of years of rising hate motivated attacks against APIDA individuals throughout the U.S. and especially here in the Bay Area. These attacks have escalated exponentially in the last six months with many of the comments insinuating that people of Asian descent are to be blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The most important thing to understand is that hate incidents and racist incidents have wide reaching impacts no matter how geographically near or far in location. They have the potential to negatively and seriously impact individuals and communities in their homes, workplaces, and  everyday lives out in the world. 

As an educational institution we want to frame these incidents in a context to understand their impact, particularly at a time when our campus is actively working to address systemic racism and particularly anti-Black racism. Here is an introduction to the historical perspectives and context to understand the current anti-APIDA hate attacks:

  • They are a part of a long history of systemic anti-Asian hate in the U.S., particularly in California and the U.S. West since the arrival of APIDA communities in the 1800s.
  • Our relations and conflict with Asian countries has been repeatedly weaponized to perpetuate anti-APIDA hate.
  • APIDA communities are viewed  as “forever foreign in the United States, rather than contributing members of our society; regardless of citizenship or immigration status.” 
  • APIDA women have been targeted over twice the rate of others in racist attacks often hyper-sexualized by stereotypes.
  • Anti-APIDA hate must be understood within the larger context and dynamics of historical White Supremacy. 
  • Words matter, language matters, climate matters.

Unfortunately, as we have seen over the years, these hate motivated attacks are increasing toward many communities. As a community we must be vigilant and continue to come together; not just as these incidents are happening to each community, but to reach out to each other in our everyday work, education, and lives. We need to further our worldviews and understand how we can be active allies to each other so we can support our diverse and intersectional community. 

For more information on anti-APIDA hate incidents go to Stop AAPI Hate

Processing Space-Monday March 22nd

In order to support our APIDA campus community, we invite members of our APIDA community of staff, faculty, and students to a processing space scheduled on Monday, March 22 at 7:00 to 8:30 pm. This space is being collaboratively supported by our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Counseling and Psychological Services; Mosaic Cross Cultural Center; Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association; and the APID/A Task Force. We welcome our community members to join in this group space to share their thoughts, express their feelings, and come together in community. Please register for this space by clicking the button below.

Please note that this processing place is not designed to address those who may be having an urgent mental health crisis.

For Students:

If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance during our hours of operation, there is always a staff member available to assist you either on the phone or in person. Please call 408-924-5910 or visit us in the Student Wellness Center, Room 300B.

For after-hours emergencies, please call 911. If you live on campus, please call campus police at 408-924-2222. You may also call our main number 408-924-5910 after hours and press 4 to connect with the after-hours crisis service.

The County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.

In addition, you may send a text for help: Text ANSWER to 839863. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365. They will help get you through it. 

For Employees:

Counseling for Faculty and Staff

Visit LifeMatters® online for more information. Password: SPARTANS

To speak to someone from LifeMatters® confidentially, call 800-367-7474.

The County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.

In addition, you may send a text for help: Text ANSWER to 839863. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365. They will help get you through it.

Asian Lunar New Year

Dear campus community,

As many of our Spartan community celebrate the Asian Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ox, I am writing to express my wishes that you and your family have time to safely gather, connect, and reflect. The days-long celebration of the Asian Lunar New Year is a time of renewal and connection with family and friends that many look forward to all year. It is a time when great hope is expressed for the new year even as we reflect on the challenges we have had with loss and our lives disrupted by the pandemic in so many different ways. 

In the midst of this time of rituals of renewal and looking forward, I want to express my and our campus leadership’s support for solidarity with our diverse Asian Pacific American and Desi American (APIDA) communities. At the same time, I must express my concern and alarm at the recent sharp rise in incidents of violence, hate, and targeting of Asian Americans in this country. In the Bay Area, in particular, where many of our campus community and their families live and visit, we have witnessed  a deadly attack in San Francisco of an elderly Thai American man and another attack of an elderly Asian American woman who was robbed and assaulted in San José. There have been still more violent attacks in Oakland’s Chinatown in recent weeks. 

These attacks come on the heels of a year where there has been a sharp steep resurgence in anti-Asian hate incidents reported in the United States, attacks attributed to the rise in xenophobia and racist blame for the pandemic against those of Asian descent fueled by public racist rhetoric. It is reassuring to know that the Biden Administration signed an Executive Order on January 26, 2021 decrying and addressing systemic change on xenophobia, hate incidents and racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. But, this work must continue on both a local and national level.

At San José State University, we also decry systemic xenophobia and racism against our APIDA communities. We know that these incidents affect our campus climate and sense of belonging. Creating an environment that celebrates the richness of our racially and ethnically diverse community is one of our most important priorities. Our overall work on systemic racism reflects our core values of equity and inclusion and the mission of our university to support our students, staff, and faculty so that everyone can thrive and grow. And, although this work is made harder by our need to work and learn remotely, it is work that we will continue to do. 

Please join me in taking a moment to reflect on the Asian Lunar New Year as a time of renewal in family and community. May all of our Spartan friends and families connect and hold each other in community at San Jose State University.  

Sincerely,

Kathy Wong(Lau)

Chief Diversity Officer

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If you are a student and would like to connect with the APIDA Task Force on campus please email MOSAIC@sjsu.edu. For information on future APIDA events follow them on Instagram @sjsuapida.

If you would like to connect to the Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association or APIFSA please email them at sjsuapifsa@gmail.com.

If you are the target or witness xenophobic or racist exclusion on campus, in the classroom or with university related activities, there are resources on our campus to report these incidents. If you experience or witness an immediate physical threat or danger, you should contact our University Police immediately by phoning (408) 924-2222, or dialing 911.

Please know that the following psychological and mental health support is available during business hours and 24/7: 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for students

  • We have extended hours from Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. You can call them at 408-924-5910.
  • If you need assistance after office hours, please call:
    • Call 408-924-5910 and press 4 to reach the after-hours crisis services 
    • Call the Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Service at 855-278-4204
    • Text “Hello” to 741741 to be connect to the National Text Crisis Service

Empathia Counseling through campus or Life Matters Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees

  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am – 12pm. And on Thursday from 11am – 1pm. To schedule an appointment, please call or text Rebecca directly at 408-784-4287. You may also email Rebecca at rebeccatochoalmft@gmail.com.
  • You can access LifeMatters services by calling 1-800-367-7474. An experienced, licensed professional will personally answer your calls 24/7. The LifeMatters website offers educational information, self-serve options, and interactive tools. Visit mylifematters.com