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President Maloney’s Message to Campus on Asian American Hate Crimes

Dear Worcester State Community,

Wednesday’s violent attack in Georgia against Asian Americans was nothing short of a hate crime. Our thoughts are with the families that lost loved ones in this horrible tragedy and those that have suffered as a result. Our Asian American community has experienced unprovoked violence, racism and xenophobia for many months due to misinformation and propaganda, and those that share these views. This cannot continue; this must stop.

Worcester State strives to make its campus inclusive for all students and specifically those of different backgrounds and cultures. Much can be learned from individuals of diverse backgrounds and we strive each academic year to bring programming to campus that stimulates intellectual conversation and thought-provoking discourse. This week’s events reveal there is much more work ahead of us.

We stand in solidarity with our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, faculty and staff on our campus and in our community, and know that an assault against one person of color is an assault against all. As a campus community, we have an obligation to call out injustices when they occur. If we see or hear something, we must act. Worcester State provides a resource to report bias incidents. To make an anonymous report, go to myWSU [1] and check the Bias Incident Report icon in the middle of the page or use this link [2] to access the report.

I am appreciative to the faculty of Worcester State who posted a message of solidarity to our Asian American community [3] and I encourage all to read it. Like me, they are concerned about the troubling events that unfolded in Georgia this week.

Our counseling services stand ready to support anyone that needs to talk through the events of this week. Students can access Counseling Services [4] by calling 508-929-8072. Employees should access the Employee Assistance Program [5] – All One Health at 800-489-1854 or Mass4You at 844-263-1982.

Please stay safe and stand with me in solidarity with our Asian American community.

Sincerely,

Barry M. Maloney

President