We, the faculty and staff of the Institute for Women’s Studies at UGA, strongly denounce recent acts of violence against people of Asian descent in the US and abroad, especially the tragic murders that occurred in Atlanta this week, and the alarming numbers of attacks that have occurred in Georgia in recent months. We are also very concerned about the scapegoating of Asian American Pacific Islander communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how notions of the ‘perpetual foreigner’ feed racism by evoking phantoms of fear and intolerance. Stereotypes and fear-mongering undermine the health and well-being of our students, our colleagues, and all members of the campus community. Aware of how multiple forms of oppression impact the lives of AAPI women in particular, we condemn the intersecting anti-Asian racism and misogyny that is evident in these atrocities. There is a history of xenophobia, harmful rhetoric and violence that must be fully addressed as we work to build a more democratic multicultural society and a better world for all. We honor the leadership of Asian-American Pacific Islander women who have brought critical attention to these matters, and we stand together in solidarity with those impacted by racial and sexist violence of all kinds. Well-Being Resources If you or someone you know needs assistance, you are encouraged to contact Student Care and Outreach in the Division of Student Affairs at 706-542-7774 or visit https://sco.uga.edu. They will help you navigate any difficult circumstances you may be facing by connecting you with the appropriate resources or services. UGA has several resources for a student seeking mental health services (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/bewelluga/bewelluga) or crisis support (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/info/emergencies). If you need help managing stress anxiety, relationships, etc., please visit BeWellUGA (https://www.uhs.uga.edu/bewelluga/bewelluga) for a list of FREE workshops, classes, mentoring, and health coaching led by licensed clinicians and health educators in the University Health Center.
