Our faculty, staff, and students are shocked and saddened by the most recent example of violence and discrimination against the Asian community, in Atlanta last week. Fueled by a global pandemic and systemic racism, these incidents are expressions of a deeper and disturbing trend of anti-Asian racism, both in the US and Canada.
The School of Information strongly condemns anti-Asian racism, and racially-motivated abuse and violence more generally. The school recognizes that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour in Canada and at UBC experience racism every day, and we stand in solidarity with these communities.
There is no place for violence created by xenophobia and bigotry in our lives and in the places we study. The School of Information actively works to fight racism and wants to be a community that is equal and inclusive for all.
Dr. Erik Kwakkel, UBC iSchool Director
Links and resources
- Santa Ono, “Statement of Anti-Asia Racism” (March 20, 2021).
- UBC Department of Asian Studies, “Resources on responding to anti-Asian racism” (March 18, 2021).
- Resources for students who need a professional to talk to: Equity and Inclusion Office.
- Bring issues to the attention of the Faculty of Arts: Equity and Diversity Committee (anonymous contact form).