Message from JWU Chancellor Runey and JWU’s Campus Presidents
Story by JWU Media Relations , on Mar 18, 2021 2:30 PM
PRESS RELEASE
Standing with JWU’s AAPI Community and Standing Against Racism and Hate
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — March 18, 2021 – In response to the shootings in Atlanta, Johnson & Wales University Chancellor Mim L. Runey LP.D., joined with JWU’s four campus presidents: Marie Bernardo-Sousa, LP.D., '92 (Providence), Larry A. Rice, Ed.D., '90 (North Miami), Richard Wiscott, Ph.D., (Denver) and Cheryl L. Richards, Ph.D., (Charlotte) to issue the following statement to the university community:
We are horrified by the violent shootings earlier this week in Atlanta and we stand together in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Johnson & Wales University condemns racism and hatred in all forms, and we recognize with one voice that over the last year, Americans of Asian descent have been and continue to be the targets of increased harassment, discrimination and violence.
The AAPI community at Johnson & Wales is strong and is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our Wildcat family. As university leaders, we are firmly committed to nurturing and further strengthening an inclusive and equitable university community, and that includes a renewed commitment to promote anti-racist practices and provide every student academic and co-curricular opportunities that are welcoming and educational.
One recent report by California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism found that attacks against the AAPI community increased 150 percent in 2020 compared to previous years and the Stop AAPI Hate coalition reports nearly 4,000 hate incidents targeted at the AAPI community since the start of the pandemic.
While the recent increases in reports of discrimination and violence are shocking, we must also acknowledge with a clear voice that racism and discrimination against people of Asian descent did not just start with the emergence of COVID-19. Like all forms of racism and discrimination, it has lingered for too long and it must stop.
We call on every member of our community - students, alumni, faculty and staff - to stand against hate in every form. If you see another member of our community being harassed or attacked, please stand up and speak out. If you are experiencing harassment, please contact Campus Safety & Security. Additionally, members of our counseling services team are available to support students, faculty and staff who are experiencing trauma as a result of these vile attacks.
Forever JWU.