UMD Honors College Statement of Solidarity with Asian and Asian American Communities

 March 24, 2021

The Honors College staff and faculty express our outrage and profound sadness at the horrific murders of eight people, including six Asian women, in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. Our hearts are heavily grieved by the loss of eight irreplaceable lives: Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yaun González, Hyung Jung Grant, Paul Andre Michels, Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, and Yong Ae Yue.

These acts follow an increase of deeply disturbing anti-Asian racism and violence that we have witnessed across the U.S. since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. Moreover, two-thirds of those subjected to anti-Asian hate-bias have been women of Asian descent, many of whom are economically vulnerable. These acts are also part of a long history of different ethnic Asian groups in the U.S. being subject to racism, violence, exclusion, internment, and injury, fueled by stereotypes and other false claims including blame for disease. It is intolerable that these communities have experienced continued acts of racism, violence, and hatred.

We stand in solidarity with Asian and Asian American communities in decrying this violence, its cycles of repetition, and all forms of violence and hostility against communities of color. We unequivocally reject the hateful actions that have been directed towards members of the AAPI community. It is unacceptable and we hear you. To those in our community—including over 30% of our students—who are Asian and/or Asian American and feeling anguish and justifiable fear in this moment because of this latest episode of the deep-rooted history of racism in America, please know that we are with you and here to support you.

It is the responsibility of the Honors College to teach the history of race and racism, to foster a safe and inclusive environment of deep respect for difference, and to empower everyone to better understand, support, and advocate for disenfranchised people in the classroom, on campus and in communities beyond. It is the responsibility and community expectation of every member of the Honors College community to acknowledge and take action against the systemic racism, misogyny, and other forms of marginalization that have wrought such damage.

The events below are being held to support the AAPI Terp Community this week:

In a show of solidarity with Asian and Asian American communities, there will be a Candlelight Vigil tonight, Wednesday, March 24, at 6pm on McKeldin Mall.

The Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA) and the Counseling Center will be holding a processing space for students this Thursday, March 25, at 4pm. Register here.

 Asian American Student Union and South Asian Student Association will be doing a collaborative event on the impact of language on the AAPI community this Thursday at 6pm.

 We would also draw your attention to the many resources listed below.

 Sincerely and in Solidarity,

Zabrina S. Anzyl, Assistant Director, Integrated Life Sciences

Stephan Blatti, Director, University Honors

 Chelsea Bradford, Coordinator for Student Life, University Honors

 Michel Cukier, Director, ACES

 Traci LM Dula, Assoc. Director, Honors College

 Najib M. El-Sayed, Director, Integrated Life Sciences

 Jason Farman, Director, Design Cultures & Creativity

 Rebecca Forbes, Honors College Business Manager

 Cassie Harrington, Assistant Director, ACES

 Lauren Healy, Program Management Specialist, Honors College

 Dean Hebert, Assistant Director for Student Achievement, University Honors

 Sarah Bonnie Humud, Associate Director, Honors Humanities 

Christine Jones, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs, University Honors

 Sabrina Kramer, Associate Director, Integrated Life Sciences

Jenny Lang, Associate Director, Honors College

 David Lovell, Director, Gemstone Honors Program

 Jessica H. Lu, Associate Director, Design Cultures & Creativity

Peter Mallios, Executive Director, Honors College 

Randy Ontiveros, Director, Honors Humanities 

Kristan Cilente Skendall, Associate Director, Gemstone Honors Program 

Chantelle Smith, Coord., of Recruitment & Programming, Honors College 

Jay A. Smith, Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Leah Tobin, Assistant Director for Student Engagement for Gemstone 

Susanna Underland, Program Manager, University Honors 

Katherine Zmoda, Specialist, Entrepreneurship and Innovation