MCC Statement in Support of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Communities
March 19, 2021
“Monroe Community College strongly condemns the spate of hate crimes against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders in the United States that has surged at an alarming rate since the pandemic began.
“Hate and discrimination have no place in our country and community and must end. The increase in racially motivated verbal abuse and violence—including the recent murders of eight innocent people, most of them Asian, in Atlanta, Ga.—has understandably heightened fears among students and educators nationwide and locally. We are deeply disturbed by the senseless attacks and grieve with the victims and their families.
“MCC stands with and supports Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders as communities across New York and the U.S. call for an end to intolerance. We are a stronger college because we reflect the rich diversity of our community and world.
“Resources are available for those who may be frightened or in need of support. MCC’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability Office (585-292-2122, diversity@monroecc.edu) and Department of Public Safety (585-292-2911) are here to help.
“MCC’s Department of Global Education & International Services (GEIS) is proud to co-sponsor Asian Matters: Standing with Rochester’s Asian American Communities, an important, virtual discussion hosted in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester’s Levine Center to End Hate. Panelists include MCC Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Natasha Chen Christensen, GEIS Coordinator Christina Lee, and SUNY Brockport Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Pilipa Esara Carroll. The first of this three-session series, titled ‘Asian in Rochester,’ will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21 (register/learn more). The discussion series is free.”
— MCC Interim President Katherine P. Douglas, Ed.D. and Chief Diversity Officer Calvin J. Gantt, Ed.D.