BSOS Stands in Solidarity with Asian Communities

 BSOS Stands in Solidarity with Asian Communities

Dear Colleagues,

Last week, eight victims—including six women of Asian descent—were shot and killed by a gunman at three places of business in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Another victim was wounded. A suspect has confessed to the killings and is in police custody.

Our college mourns the deaths of Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, and Paul Andre Michels. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and to their communities.

This act of deliberate violence, hatred, racism and misogyny was not an isolated event. This horrific crime was symptomatic of the systemic problems of racism and xenophobia that plague our nation.

To all members of our community—especially those who are of Asian descent or nationality, you are welcome in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and at the University of Maryland. We value and are grateful for your contributions to the intellectual and social vibrancy of our college.

Please, at any time, reach out to me; to Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kim Nickerson; to Assistant Dean for International Affairs Mengxue Li; or to your department chair or unit head for support and guidance. I also want to highlight the resources and advocacy of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion <https://diversity.umd.edu/>, especially information on Bias Resources <https://diversity.umd.edu/resources/bias/>.

Sincerely,

Greg Ball