The Dean's Letter

March 19, 2021

In Support and Solidarity

Dear AAP Community,

I am writing to you today with concern for our entire community following the news of the recent shooting of eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian women. Collectively, we are again faced with the horrific reality of racially charged violence in the U.S. As many of us begin to feel the weight of the pandemic lift, this moment reminds us that deeply misinformed rhetoric and violence targeting Asian people, Asian-Americans, and women persists — resulting in yet more senseless loss of life.

These unacceptable, inhuman acts affect us all and call once again for our uncompromising recognition of ongoing racial injustices, and, for solidarity. To the members of our AAP community who are Asian or of Asian descent, we see and hear you, and offer you support of any and all kinds. As a college, we understand that actionable change demands our collective attention, compassion, and resilience.

To all of you, thank you for being so supportive of one another, and, for accepting the responsibility there is in being part of a caring community that together commits to treating all with dignity and respect, and to ending hate and injustice.

President Martha Pollack recently sent a message to ensure the university community's awareness of Cornell's position and available support systems. AAP stands with our community and the university against acts of hate, violence, racism, and bias in any form.

Please reach out to Jenn Michael, Director of Student Services, at jlm497@cornell.edu so that she can share available resources with you, and address your needs, requests, questions, or concerns.

Standing with you,

Meejin