Speaking Out on Behalf of the Asian American, Pacific Islander Community

Like you, I was horrified by yesterday’s murders of eight individuals, including six Asian American women, in Atlanta. Sadly, research from the coalition Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate shows a clear rise in cases of violence and discrimination against Asian American groups during the pandemic. The crisis has attracted the attention of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, which will hold hearings today into these acts of hatred. NOVA is a federally recognized Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and this violence is impacting our students, colleagues, friends and neighbors. NOVA condemns all acts of violence, discrimination, racism and intolerance, and we stand with the Asian American Pacific Islander community.

My message today is plain. We cannot leave the work of addressing racism and bias to others: this work is ours.

I have asked our Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Dr. Nathan Carter, to coordinate and lead the ongoing review of our policies and procedures for reporting incidents of bias and discrimination to identify how we can improve our current institutional practices for reporting and responding to bias. If you have feedback you would like to offer toward this important effort, please contact Dr. Carter: nacarter@nvcc.edu.

I also ask you to speak up in support of those in our community who identify as members of the Asian American or Pacific Islander community. Please use this Thought Exchange link. Dr. Carter will share your comments within our community.

Thank you for all that you do to support Inclusive Excellence at NOVA.

Submitted by:
Anne Kress, president, presidentsoffice@nvcc.edu