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Statement on Anti-Asian Violence and Racism

February 25, 2021

Nearly one year ago, in the first stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we came together as members of the University of Pennsylvania community to respond to a surge in stigma, bias, discrimination, and violence against people of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander backgrounds. It is heartbreaking that even as many in our community celebrate the Lunar New Year, multiple cases of anti-Asian racism and violence have taken place across the United States, adding to a long and horrific history.

The pain that people of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander backgrounds continue to experience shows that our work is far from complete, at Penn and beyond.

We condemn and denounce the despicable anti-Asian violence that has recently taken place in the United States, and redouble our efforts to create meaningful, lasting change.

For members of the Penn community who may have been affected by anti-Asian behavior or if you know someone who could use support, please take advantage of the resources the University provides:

If you are affected by violence, or aren’t sure where to turn, the Special Services team is available to assist you 24 hours a day by calling (215) 898-6600 or by email at specialservices@publicsafety.upenn.edu.

Penn’s HELP Line is also available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, at (215) 898-HELP. 

Finally, we encourage you to visit the TAASS website, where you can report hate and bias incidents, learn how to become upstanders in responding to anti-Asian behavior, join our #FlattenTheHate campaign, and engage in our community discussion series.

—Task Force on Support to Asian and Asian American Students and Scholars (TAASS) at Penn

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