Dear Colleagues,
Like many of you, we remain stunned by the horrific scenes that took place in our nation’s capital earlier this month. We witnessed a president instigate a riot that was unlawful, and the height of irresponsibility was unimaginable. The people’s House was desecrated by a mob who responded to claims fabricated by individuals who have been shamefully self-serving. It goes without saying that these senseless acts of violence also occurred during a pandemic that is taking over 4000 lives in a single day begs belief.
January 6, 2021 will be a day we long remember. The events were an affront not only to our country’s system of government by the people, but to the civil society we aspire to—one underpinned by truth and mutual respect. As part of an institution and PhD program firmly rooted in science, evidence, and facts, as well as a mission of public service, and a deep respect for diversity, we know many of you feel as appalled as we do. Everything our institution represents stands in starkest contrast to the events of that day. At the same time, we also recognize that these events highlight long-standing dynamics of power and oppression and structural inequities within our society and do not represent an isolated incident.
We hope you see reasons for hope and optimism by looking around you—at your colleagues who have selflessly worked amidst a pandemic to ameliorate the lives of others; at our vocations, founded on science and the importance of evidence and data; and at the diversity of our workplace and Hofstra community, which proves that differences can make us better and stronger rather than pulling us apart.
As our nation moves forward from this low point in our history, we are committed to tackling systems of oppression and working towards social justice and equity within the field of psychology and society in general. We call on our department, faculty members, and administrators to join us in this path that will help us to a brighter day for all.
Resources on talking to children and clients about the events at the Capitol:
http://nmvvrc.org/TipSheets/Self-Help%20Tip%20Sheet.pdf
Sincerely,
Diversity Committee
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program,
Hofstra University
Dear colleagues,
As the Diversity Committee of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, we are deeply concerned about the increasing hate and violence against Asian, Asian American, and Asian Pacific Islander communities. Since the beginning of the pandemic, these communities have been scapegoated for the virus and have become the target of increasing discrimination and harassment (e.g., threats, assaults, vandalization of businesses). Anti-Asian rhetoric related to the pandemic (e.g., “Chinese virus,” “Kung-flu”) used by public figures and elected officials has further fueled racism in the United States, normalizing and inciting violence. The stigmatization of Asian, Asian American, and Asian Pacific Islander communities makes them particularly vulnerable to negative health outcomes, as discrimination and stigma are associated with decreased help-seeking behaviors and poorer health outcomes.
Scapegoating of Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian Pacific Islanders is only one form of xenophobia that these communities have been facing for decades. Harmful stereotypes, such as “the model minority myth,” have been placing undue burden on Asians and Asian Americans, making the challenges of these communities invisible and erasing intersectional experiences (e.g., the experiences of religious groups, women, refugees, queer individuals etc.). The model minority myth also preserves White Supremacy by exploiting Asian and Asian American labor, while contrasting them to other marginalized groups described as “problem minorities” to delegitimize the struggles of other communities.
We witness the intensifying xenophobia against Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian Pacific Islanders and unequivocally condemn the hostile rhetoric and violence against these communities. It is our collective responsibility to stand with Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian Pacific Islanders and to take action against the stigmatization and xenophobia.
Here are some of the ways we can combat violence:
Educating ourselves on the ways in which oppression experienced by marginalized racial and ethnic groups have both shared AND unique features
Racial Equity Tools: COVID-19 – Racial Equity and Social Justice Resources
A Town Hall on Anti-Asian Racism: Race, Struggle & Solidarity In the Time of a Global Pandemic
Asian American Feminist Collective
https://www.asianamfeminism.org/
Asian American Feminist Antibodies: Care in the Time of Coronavirus
Speaking out against stigmatizing language and anti-Asian rhetoric
American Psychological Association (APA)
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/03/destigmatizing-coronavirus
https://www.apa.org/news/press/statements/combating-covid-19-bias.pdf
Disrupting the spread of misinformation related to the virus by directing people to credible resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Demanding media outlets to discontinue using the visuals depicting people of Asian descent disproportionately in their coverage of the pandemic
Using our media platforms to distribute resources
Documenting and reporting acts of hostility and violence against these communities
Stop AAPI Hate
Safety Tips for Those Experiencing or Witnessing Hate https://stopaapihate.org/safetytipsenglish/
Stand Against Hatred
https://www.standagainsthatred.org/
Creating a safe space for our friends/colleagues/coworkers of Asian descent to express concerns
Supporting the healing of these communities by either donating to organizations or engaging in activities that bring joy and connection with our friends/colleagues/coworkers of Asian descent
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
National Asian and Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)
Asian American Bar Association of New York
Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council
http://www.asianpacificpolicyandplanningcouncil.org/
Sincerely,
Diversity Committee
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program,
Hofstra University