Colleagues,

The Prairie State College Community would like to express its compassion and solidarity with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in the wake of the violence that continues to plague our country. We condemn these attacks and acknowledge these are not isolated events but come in a broader, deeper context of anti-Asian racism, which has grown increasingly more brutal throughout the pandemic. We recognize these tragedies as symptoms of greater structural problems within our society as a whole. At PSC, we vehemently denounce this scourge of anti-Asian violence, xenophobia, and harassment.

With a renewed sense of urgency, PSC reaffirms its commitment to continue to take action across the board to advance initiatives embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion at our institution. To our AAPI students, scholars, and staff, we offer you our unwavering support as we stand with you in your grief, alarm, and sorrow over the recent attacks. Our strength comes from embracing our diversity and the richness derived from sharing in our varied experiences. In the light of recent events, I call on each of us to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of equity and justice. We must all take the time to understand the deep and painful history of discrimination faced by Asian Americans and stand in unity with the community to fight for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Stop AAPI Hate

Thomas D. Saban, Ph.D., Interim President