UMSI statement on anti-Asian violence

The School of Information has a deep and rich history of educating Asian and Asian American students, and we have many colleagues of Asian descent among our faculty and staff. Because of these ties, we recognize the acute harm of the recent rise of anti-Asian verbal and physical attacks. 

On Tuesday night, we learned of the shootings in the Atlanta area. We mourn for and stand with the victims of these crimes. 

We join the leadership of the University of Michigan in rejecting hate, violence and xenophobia that focus on our neighbors, colleagues, friends and loved ones of Asian descent.

If you seek to learn more, we encourage you to consult these resources: 

• The Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Task Force’s compilation of informational and support resources.
• The Asian Pacific Islander Desi/American (APID/A) Staff Association’s Visual Resources: Tips for Conversations Around Anti-Asian Violence. 
• The U-M Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) has numerous resources on gender-based violence.

Because many in our community are suffering distress due to this event,  we want to encourage you to reach out to friends, colleagues, and classmates who may be hurting. We want to remind you of the support services available (Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) and Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Anyone may also report incidents via the Campus Climate Support website or to the Division of Public Safety and Security. DPSS has a special unit to assist survivors of interpersonal violence.

Thomas A. Finholt, Dean

on behalf of the UMSI leadership team