Update: Emily Griffith Technical College’s response to recent violence against the AAPI community
Update: Emily Griffith Technical College’s response to recent violence against the AAPI community
Since the pandemic took hold in the United States last March, there has been an increase in hate and violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander community across the country. This violence has continued in recent weeks culminating in the shooting of eight people including six Asian women in Atlanta on March 16th, 2021.
Racism and discrimination against the AAPI community has deep roots in our country, including racist policies starting in the 1880s with the Chinese Exclusion Act to through Japanese internment during World War II. Rhetoric regarding the coronavirus from our previous administration has continued to fuel this violence and hate.
We need to be here for one another as we deal with these events. We need to be open and able to have challenging conversations with each other, so we can navigate this together and seek the necessary change to make our world a better place.
At Emily Griffith, and alongside Denver Public Schools, we will continue to be a safe and welcoming space for all who wish to learn. Our staff, faculty and students deserve to be in an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate for any reason and we value your color, culture, origin, ancestry, class, career, religion, gender, orientation, marital status, veteran status, age or disability.
As a college, we are saddened by these violent acts and are reaffirming our commitment to breaking down biases, inequalities and inequities.
Please continue to treat one another with respect and compassion. Seek to understand. Always stand up for what is right, filling in the gap when someone cannot stand up for themselves.
Educational Resources:
–Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Organization focused on advancing civil and human rights for Asian Americans and on building and promoting a fair and equitable society for all.
–The Center for Asian Pacific American Women: The Center strives to nurture our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities by expanding leadership capacity, fostering awareness of AAPI issues, creating a supportive network of AAPI women leaders, and strengthening community.
–Mental Health Center of Denver: Statement on the organization’s commitment to supporting the AAPI community here in Denver and Colorado.
Additional Resources here.
Mental Health Resources:
– Colorado Crisis Services: Free, confidential, professional, 24/7 support. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.
– Crisis Text Line: If you are feeling anxious or concerned about anything right now, contact the Crisis Text Line. The text line is run by trained volunteer crisis counselors who help people talk through whatever is paining them, making them feel anxious, etc. They provide a safe, supportive space to share whatever you’re going through. Text 741741 to connect.
