Statement on Asian Community Attacks

  Alumni   College of Arts & Sciences   OACS   Divinity School   School of Business   School of Education  

Dear La Sierra University Community:  Over the past year, the media has reported a spike in verbal and physical attacks against members of the Asian-Pacific Islander community, a group of more than 50 ethnic groups, including Chinese, who have been targeted because of their race. 

<p> Dr. Joy Fehr, president, La Sierra University. (Photos: Natan Vigna) </p>

Dr. Joy Fehr, president, La Sierra University. (Photos: Natan Vigna)

Today, we share our grief at the loss of eight people murdered in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday March 16. While law enforcement is still investigating these events and we do not know yet the details, reports indicate that the victims may have been targeted for violence based on their perceived race and gender as six of those killed were of Asian descent and seven were women.

In this horrific moment, we stand in solidarity with all our community members, particularly the Asian and Pacific Islander community, and condemn violence, hate, discrimination, and xenophobia. La Sierra University is committed to anti-racism and abhors discrimination in all of its forms.

We acknowledge that this is a difficult and frightening time for members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community. We are here to offer our solidarity and support. Therefore, we want to encourage anyone who may feel stressed and/or frightened by these events to seek support and, if needed, assistance for their personal safety.

As we have faced the COVID-19 pandemic, we have realized more than ever before the importance of standing together. Further, as followers of Christ, we believe that all are God’s children regardless of appearance, language, background, race, gender, and ethnicity. We are committed to loving our neighbors, all our neighbors, as God loves us.

Joy Fehr
President

For support and assistance, please contact any of the following campus support services:

  • Human Resources Department at hr@lasierra.edu
  • Student Conduct Office at https://lasierra.edu/slife/student-conduct/
  • Counseling Services at wellness@lasierra.edu
  • Chaplain's Office at https://lasierra.edu/spiritual-life/
  • Security Office at 951-785-2222 in case you need to report any safety issue
  • Title IX at 951-785-2849 or email at titleix@lasierra.edu or mvega@lasierra.edu
  • Diversity at 951-785-2849 or email at diversity@lasierra.edu

For intriguing insights on the intersection of public health, race and environmental history, read here about the work of La Sierra University alumna Dr. Jeannie N. Shinozuka in the latest issue of the La Sierra University Alumni Magazine.

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