The recent reprehensible events in Atlanta have aroused significant anxiety and concern, particularly for Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans and people of Asian descent. These unspeakable acts come at a time when racism and hate crimes directed toward the APIDA and Asian communities are rising at an alarming rate. Our hearts go out to the victims of these acts of violence and to their families, friends, loved ones and communities.

We urge everyone to do their part to combat racism and discrimination in all its forms and to support one another because hate has no home here at Michigan State University. We are committed to building an inclusive environment — one that recognizes and respects people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Prior to these tragic events, discussions have taken place between the Broad College and university partners to understand and address long-standing issues that impact Asian Americans. We are working to identify ways to enhance cultural awareness of all Broad students through new partnerships and initiatives.

One way we are taking action is by co-sponsoring the APA Heritage Month Celebration with Charles Yu on April 16, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Yu, whose novel Interior Chinatown won the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction, will discuss his book and his experience as an Asian American corporate lawyer turned creative writer. Co-sponsoring this event organized by the Asian Pacific American Studies Program and the Asian Pacific American Student Organization is one of many actions we plan to take, with more to come soon.

We encourage those of you who are in a position to be supportive to take the time to check in with your family, friends and colleagues in the APIDA and Asian communities. The Broad College stands in solidarity with the APIDA and Asian communities, and we are committed to combating anti-APIDA and anti-Asian racism and violence.

Although our recent efforts are helping to make progress, there is more work to be done. We remain committed to making MSU and the Broad College a welcoming home for people of diverse backgrounds and to inspire us all to do our best work. Together, we, as Spartans, are up to the challenge.

 

Sanjay Gupta
Eli & Edythe L. Broad Dean
Broad College of Business