Campus Community,
Reflecting on the recent violence witnessed far too often across our nation, it is difficult to find words that adequately address the loss of Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Yong Ae Yue, Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, and Hyun Jung Grant who were murdered in Georgia.
These horrific killings, and the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States, bring attention to the deep-seated white supremacy and anti-AAPI racism that often goes unacknowledged and unreported. We acknowledge that discussions about AAPI hate crimes are often lost in the larger dialogue of violence, while in the affected communities, pain and anxiety remain palpable.
The Stop AAPI Hate National Report shows how AAPI communities are targeted and the types of discrimination they face. According to Stop AAPI Hate, the 3,795 incidents received by their reporting center from March 19, 2020, to February 28, 2021, represent only a fraction of the hate incidents that occur.
In response to this hatred and violence, we react with empathy and compassion but there is more we can do.
Stand up for each other and stand against anti-AAPI xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Blackness, anti-Semitism, and all forms of violent white supremacy.
Be an Upstander
If you feel it is safe, use the 5 D’s* when you see someone being harassed.
DIRECT: Respond directly to the person causing harm; be confident, assertive, and calm.
DELEGATE: Get help from someone else.
DISTRACT: Bring attention away from the situation.
DELAY: Check in with the person who was harmed.
DOCUMENT: If someone is already helping the person being harassed, document through photo or video (but never post or share without consent from the person being harmed).
*5 D’s adapted from Hollaback!
Stay Safe from Hate
The Asian American Federation created the Stay Safe from Hate: How to Protect Yourself in Threatening Situations booklet, which includes the 5 D’s and provides de-escalation strategies, nonviolent communication strategies, and basic self-defense maneuvers.
Educate Yourself
Being in solidarity with AAPI communities includes educating ourselves on the American history of anti-AAPI violence and understanding how this history impacts us today.
Anti-Asian racism started long before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is visible in legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United states, and in a policy that imprisoned Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II. This racial scapegoating can also happen to an individual, as in the 1982 murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin, who was mistaken for a Japanese American. We also witnessed a surge of hate crimes against many South Asian American communities of Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh faith following the attacks on September 11, 2001.
The tradition of scapegoating and anti-AAPI violence must stop.
COMmunity Conversations
Associated Students of College of Marin (ASCOM) is hosting a program on April 14 from 12:40 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. focused on anti-hate.
COMmunity Conversations: Condemning Hate, Advancing Justice
Join Zoom Meeting: https://marin-edu.zoom.us/j/91457158972
Meeting ID: 914 5715 8972
Additional Educational Resources
Racial Justice: Combating Anti-Asian Hate LibGuide
The COM Library also compiled a webpage of resources related to combating anti-Asian hate.
Peaceful Demonstration Against Anti-Asian Violence
A peaceful demonstration is scheduled Friday, March 26, from noon to 1 p.m. at the San Rafael Court House Plaza, on 4th Street, between A and B Streets (event organizers have notified the San Rafael Police Department to help ensure safety of participants). RSVP to COM Librarian Dave Patterson to attend and for additional details.
Report Incidents
If you witness or are the victim of bias, harassment, discrimination, or a hate incident, report it to Stop AAPI Hate and Stand Against Hatred so that you are supported, and data can be used for education and advocacy. In an emergency, always dial 911 first.
Campus Contacts
COM Police Non-emergency: (415) 485-9455
Counseling/Psychological Services: (415) 485-9649
COM CARE Team (for students): Submit a CARE Report or call the Student Activities and Advocacy Office at (415) 485-9376
Human Resources (for employees): Contact Executive Director Nekoda Harris, (415) 457-8811 ext. 7520
Related Board Policies
Board Policy 3410 Nondiscrimination
Board Policy 3430 Prohibition of Harassment
We support and remain in solidarity with our AAPI students, staff, and faculty as we take actions to create equity and inclusion on campus and in our communities.
Best,
David
David Wain Coon, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President