University President Darryll Pines announced his solidarity with Asian and Asian American communities following a recent wave of attacks toward those communities in a campuswide email Tuesday.
Last week, six Asian women were among those killed in the shootings at three Atlanta spas, which has drawn more attention to the rise of anti-Asian violence and rhetoric in this country.
Pines condemned the “senseless acts of hate and violence,” adding that “we must unite to fight against this hate.”
[Asian Americans at UMD grapple with surge in violence against their community]
Pines outlined upcoming events and resources for students, including a candlelight vigil for anti-Asian hate crime victims on Wednesday at McKeldin Mall, which he plans to attend. Three additional events will take place over the next week ranging from spaces for students to process their emotions to more educational events centered on Asian identities.
The president also indicated his support for Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement encouraging victims and witnesses to report incidents to the state’s Hate Crimes Hotline.
“There is much work and healing ahead, and so I ask that every member of our community join together in the name of unity, respect and empathy,” Pines wrote.
