Anti-APIDA/A Violence and Prejudice

Spring 2021

Our response to the increased violence and prejudice against the Asian community: 

The recent acts of anti-Asian racism and violence that have occurred worldwide are grim reminders that since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a rise in hate crimes directed toward Asian-identified individuals.

MSU CAPS:

• Firmly condemns anti-Asian sentiment, hate speech, harassment, hate crimes, and violence.
• Affirms that all manifestations of racism (e.g., physical, verbal, systemic) are harmful, as is our silence when we fail to confront or denounce them.
• Acknowledges that the failure to make a public statement condemning anti-Asian racism linking the coronavirus to Asian bodies is one example of this silence and we commit to do better to advocate and practice our anti-racism work.
• Declares our support for MSU Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA), and Asian international students
• Strives to create a safe environment where students of color can receive mental health services.

CAPS also acknowledges that APIDA/A communities have experienced stigma, discrimination, violence, and exclusion throughout history. Recent events are only the latest form of xenophobia and anti-Asian racism in this country.

We also reject the use of specific anti-Asian hate crimes to create division among communities of color and justify anti-Black racism. While CAPS calls for individual perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions, we identify white supremacy as the true enemy of us all.

We invite students to:

• Ask CAPS a question: email caps@msu.edu
• Request a phone consultation: complete a CAPS Phone Request for a phone consultation appointment to discuss your needs and assist with connecting you with available resources.
• Plan a virtual outreach event
• Attend a CAPS group (CAPS offers a support group for Asian/Asian American women.)

CAPS staff have also been hosting a monthly “Listening Space” for APIDA and Asian students who would like to share and connect about their experiences in a Zoom environment. All domestic, international, and multiracial/multiethnic students are welcome. More information about these and other Listening Spaces is available at caps.mus.edu/events.