As we say often, “Rams take care of Rams”. Unfortunately, we are seeing incidents where this is not the case in light of the coronavirus.
This is not the first time in U.S. history that Asian Americans are being subjected to unwarranted suspicion, playing on historical racist beliefs that people of color don’t belong. From the swine flu that was wrongly associated with Mexican Americans in 2009 and the Ebola outbreak associated with Black and African Americans in 2014, the coronavirus is only the most recent example of believing people of color are inherently diseased. There are reports across the country of Asian Americans being denied services and being physically assaulted.
It is okay to plan and prepare for coronavirus. It is ignorant and wrong to attack Asian people because you are afraid. These stories are heartbreaking and disturbing. Asian International students and Asian American students here at CSU are feeling a heightened sense of discrimination from peers and staff. Let’s do better. Let’s rise above these misconceptions and false notions. No disease is race-specific and race itself is a social construct rather than a biological one. Instead of isolating our fellow Rams, let’s do our best to show our care and support.
-Asian Pacific American Cultural Center
If you’ve been targeted by race-based behavior, you have several options. You can submit a report to https://supportandsafety.colostate.edu/incidents-of-bias/. The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center is located in room 333 in the Lory Student Center. You can find community and support with your fellow students and professional staff. We have “Story Circle” on Monday’s from 4-5:30 in APACC. It is a weekly supportive space for those who identify as Native Hawai’ian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Asian American, Desi, and Mixed Race. International students are welcome to our Center as well. Students who identify as international can also find support at the Office of International Programs in Laurel Hall. Advisors are available daily for open advising M-F 9:30-11:30 and 1:00-3:00 or you may call (970) 491-5917 for assistance.
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