The reported Atlanta shootings of multiple people on Wednesday, including six Asian-American women, is an unspeakable tragedy — for the families of the victims first and foremost, but also for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, who have been victims of rising racially-motivated hate over the past year.

As strong advocates for diversity and inclusion in our communities, we are deeply troubled by the stigmatization of Asian-Americans, many of whom have faced indiscriminate blame for the pandemic solely due to their racial identities. It is critical that we come together and support each other. Viruses know no nationality. Fear and violence do not make our communities safer. We at É«ÖÐÉ« stand against anti-Asian racist acts and words that have become more common since the Coronavirus outbreak.

By working together with our values of dignity, respect, humility, and kindness, we will continue to make a difference.