Atlanta shootings underscore need to address racism, violence

March 18, 2021

Oregon State University Community Members,

We stand in solidarity and grief with the Asian and Asian American community within our university and beyond following the slaying of eight people in the Atlanta area, mostly women and members of the Asian community.

Our commitment to ending anti-Asian, anti-Black, anti-Latinx and anti-Indigenous racism in our culture has to be relentless and intentional. We know that many in our community are tired of yet another message of sadness and grief. We must continue our resolve and actions to move this university in an anti-racist direction, and to educate our university leaders and all members of our community about the systemic oppression experienced by communities of color at OSU and within our surrounding communities. Anything less would perpetuate racism and the horror and continued murders experienced by people of color.

Violence, racism and xenophobia have no place in our country or world. The efforts to place blame for the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated a pattern of verbal and physical abuse against Asians and Asian Americans that must not be tolerated.

While many students, faculty and staff will be leaving soon for spring break, we are here to help and support impacted members of the university community. Corvallis campus students seeking confidential support can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center or one of the other cultural resource centers for assistance. CAPS can be reached at 541-727-2131 or by visiting the CAPS website. To report a bias incident, visit the Office of Institutional Diversity’s Bias Incident Response website. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

OSU-Cascades students can access counseling services without charge through the Office of Student Wellness. To make an appointment with a counselor, visit the Student Wellness page or contact [email protected]. To report a bias incident, visit the OSU-Cascades Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or contact Diversity Coordinator Erin Rook at [email protected]. Incidents also may be reported on the OSU Bias Incident Response website.

Employees seeking confidential support may contact OSU’s employee assistance program Beyond Benefits at 1-855-327-4722 or by visiting this website.

We encourage all members of the OSU community to find common cause to resist white supremacy, advance justice and live out the university’s mission in everything we do. If you want to know how to get involved in these efforts, we encourage you to visit the Diversity Education website to learn more. If you are already engaged, thank you. Your work is essential to the health and future of the OSU community and university.

F. King Alexander
President