Dear Seattle University Community,

Last night’s mass shooting in the Atlanta area was a horrific and appalling act involving the killing of six women of Asian descent. While the investigation into the killings and motive is ongoing, I believe it is important to reaffirm the university’s recent statement on anti-Asian violence, racism and xenophobia and our full support for and solidarity with our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.

Over the course of the pandemic, we have witnessed a disturbing surge across the country in racist anti-Asian attacks. We condemn in the strongest terms possible these attacks and racism in any form.

Let me reiterate, as shared previously, that our campus community stands together “against all forms of hate and marginalization, for stigma based on identity, ethnicity and physical appearance erodes safety, trust and community. We are a stronger university precisely because of the varied backgrounds and experiences represented by the intersectional diversity of our Asian and Pacific Islander communities and other communities of color.”

There are a number of campus support, advocacy and educational resources available to address anti-Asian xenophobia and racism. I encourage you to make use of them. To our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, please know we are here to support you—including accommodations for student grading—and that we value the many ways in which you enrich and contribute to our university.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President