Dear MICA faculty, staff, students, and trustees,

This week, our nation was rocked by yet another mass shooting. And while details have not fully emerged, and regardless of statements made by the alleged shooter or law enforcement, the pain this tragedy has caused remains the same. And we recognize the facts of the matter—that a white man killed eight people, six of whom were Asian women—are understandably deeply traumatizing to the Asian and Asian American communities.

This unfathomable event came as incidents of hate and violence against the Asian and Asian American communities have continued to rise in our country. A recent report found that hate crimes against Asian Americans in major U.S. cities surged by nearly 150 percent in 2020. These statistics are horrifying—this hateful rhetoric is unacceptable. MICA will not stand for this type of abhorrent discrimination, and we condemn not only the incomprehensible actions taken this week, but all incidents of violence, hurt, and mistreatment of the Asian and Asian American communities.

We at MICA stand with our Asian and Asian American campus members, and recognize the pain the actions taken this week—and those at increasing levels in the last year—bring. MICA remains committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Globalization, and to fostering a supportive, welcoming, and safe community for everyone.

We know how challenging these times are, and ask you to please seek the support necessary for assistance, comfort, and healing. As we attempt to process yet another tragedy in this country, we encourage focusing on safe spaces where we gather as a community in hopes to heal and care for ourselves and one another. This Friday's Community Gathering will be dedicated to self-care for POC faculty, staff, students, and community members.

Additionally, tele-appointments for students are available at the Student Counseling Center (410-225-2367 or counseling@mica.edu). Support for students is also available through the Center for Culture & Identity (formerly the Center for Identity & Inclusion) (diversity@mica.edu) and the Office of Student Affairs (studentaffairs@mica.edu). Faculty and staff members are encouraged to seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program.

Sammy