Statement on anti-Asian Violence

Dear BW Community,

Once again this week, news broke of a tragic shooting. This time the shooting was in Georgia and claimed the lives of eight people, six of them women of Asian descent. One of the prevailing themes in recent community conversations at BW is the importance of acknowledging pain. As is true in far too many instances, we see the deep sense of hurt, anger and fear individuals in our community are experiencing in this moment. This tragedy is also set against the backdrop of a crescendo of hatred and violence levied towards people of Asian descent. The broad impact of violence needs to be recognized and responded to with support for each other.

BW cares and recognizes that all members of our community do indeed share in this pain. Together we are committed to act as a truly supportive and inclusive community. These recent events are reminders of the seemingly endless acts of violence that plague our world today. In that regard, they have great potential to be a trigger for those who have experienced hatred based on identities including race, gender, gender identity, faith and sexuality. Violence against any group or identity has no place in our community or nation.

While there is no program or resource that can fully respond, we do want to continue efforts that make BW a supportive campus community. The BW community will gather in a virtual space for those who wish to honor the lives lost and be with others seeking community.

May we continue to be more human, strive for justice and contribute to a better BW and a better world.

Sincerely,

CJ Harkness
Chief Diversity Officer