March 22, 2021
Statement of support for our Asian and Asian American community
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Dear K-Staters:
Kansas State University condemns the recent attacks on Asian and Asian American individuals and communities. We stand in solidarity with our Asian community and mourn the loss of the eight people whose lives were taken on March 16 in Atlanta. Diversity, equity and inclusion at K-State have and will continue to be critical components of our educational mission. We ask every Wildcat to take every action and opportunity to respect the inherent dignity of all.
Over the past year, we have witnessed a rise in xenophobia that targets Asian, Asian American, Desi and Pacific Islanders. On Tuesday, March 16, a young white man was accused of murdering eight people, including six Asian women. While the investigation is still underway, initial comments by authorities appeared to minimize the racial aspects of these heinous acts. These types of statements can help normalize violence against our Asian community. Violent, sexist racialized behavior must end.
There is a long history of this behavior in our country. From our nation's first immigration laws to the treatment of U.S. citizens of Japanese descent during World War II, there has been a pattern of racial discrimination over the years. With the advent of the COVID pandemic, we have seen these destructive, racist attitudes again rise up in our communities. It's time to change this pattern. We condemn structural and individual acts of violence against our Asian family.
Please read the message from Diversity & Multicultural Affairs and the Division of Student Life to our community. There are several upcoming events where we can lift up the voices of our students, faculty and staff members on this issue. Details will be announced in future editions of K-State Today.
Let's work together and find constructive ways to fight racism in all forms.
Sincerely,
Richard B. Myers, President
Charles Taber, Provost and Executive Vice President
Bryan Samuel, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Grant Chapman, Associate Provost for International Programs
Thomas Lane, Vice President for Student Life