Office for Equity and Diversity Stands in Solidarity with the AAPI Community

9 victims. 8 dead. 6 women of Asian descent.

Dear Campus Community:

The killings in Atlanta one week ago today along with the increase in anti-Asian violence across the country since the pandemic began calls for our collective action and support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. More violence, more loss, more families left picking up the pieces. According to a recently released national report by STOP AAPI HATE, hate incidents against the AAPI community continue to increase across the U.S., with women reporting incidents at a rate of 2.3 times that of men.

In standing against all forms of racism and racial injustice, the Office for Equity and Diversity stands in solidarity with the AAPI community — in support, in sympathy, and with an ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning and working environment. I call on all of us to support AAPI communities here at East Carolina University and beyond.

More than 1,000 people at ECU have signed the Pledge to ACT Against Racism and Injustice, with several colleges and departments taking collective action for change.

As needed, please taken advantage of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and other resources and services provided through the Center for Counseling & Student Development and Department of Intercultural Affairs. To report concerns about acts against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders or other forms of discrimination, please submit the OED reporting form or contact the Office for Equity and Diversity at oed@ecu.edu.

We, in OED, stand against racism, discrimination and injustice. Will you stand with us?

— LaKesha Alston Forbes
Associate Provost for Equity and Diversity
Title IX Coordinator and Chief Diversity Officer