May 17, 2022
A little over 24 hours after the horrific anti-Black, white supremacist terrorist attack in Buffalo, New York, there was another domestic terrorist attack on Sunday afternoon, May 15, 2022, at a Taiwanese Church in Laguna Woods, California. One person was killed, and five others suffered injuries from the shooting. Based on evidence found in the terrorist's car, the FBI has identified this attack as a "politically motivated hate crime" directed against Taiwanese people.
Whenever the communities of which we are a part are involved in violent crimes such as these, it can be particularly upsetting. Whether we find our communities associated with the victims or the victimizers, such events can spark a host of emotions—vulnerability, outrage, fear, and shame. None of us is personally responsible for the actions of national governments; as individuals, we should not be viewed as synonymous with our national, ethnic, cultural, or religious affiliations.
The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes since the start of the pandemic, ongoing uncertainty and conflict in many parts of Asia and across the globe, and the scourge of gun violence that plagues the United States make this latest attack all the more unsettling. We know that it is hard to take all of this in, especially as we close out what has been another difficult school year. When tragedies like these happen, it is important to remember that we live in community with one another and we need to be here for one another. Please know that we are here to support you, talk with you, grieve with you, and, ultimately, work with you to make our world a more harmonious and less hateful place.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of us if you need support.
In sorrow and solidarity,
UFC (Faculty of Color and Queer Faculty and Staff Caucuses)
Religious Life Office
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Centre Counseling
A little over 24 hours after the horrific anti-Black, white supremacist terrorist attack in Buffalo, New York, there was another domestic terrorist attack on Sunday afternoon, May 15, 2022, at a Taiwanese Church in Laguna Woods, California. One person was killed, and five others suffered injuries from the shooting. Based on evidence found in the terrorist's car, the FBI has identified this attack as a "politically motivated hate crime" directed against Taiwanese people.
Whenever the communities of which we are a part are involved in violent crimes such as these, it can be particularly upsetting. Whether we find our communities associated with the victims or the victimizers, such events can spark a host of emotions—vulnerability, outrage, fear, and shame. None of us is personally responsible for the actions of national governments; as individuals, we should not be viewed as synonymous with our national, ethnic, cultural, or religious affiliations.
The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes since the start of the pandemic, ongoing uncertainty and conflict in many parts of Asia and across the globe, and the scourge of gun violence that plagues the United States make this latest attack all the more unsettling. We know that it is hard to take all of this in, especially as we close out what has been another difficult school year. When tragedies like these happen, it is important to remember that we live in community with one another and we need to be here for one another. Please know that we are here to support you, talk with you, grieve with you, and, ultimately, work with you to make our world a more harmonious and less hateful place.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of us if you need support.
In sorrow and solidarity,
UFC (Faculty of Color and Queer Faculty and Staff Caucuses)
Religious Life Office
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Centre Counseling
