SDSU School of Social Work and Students and Alumni of Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Association (APISWA)
We witnessed another act of senseless violence against members of our Asian American communities. Yet another tragedy in Atlanta, GA took the precious and innocent lives of six who were of Asian descent and seven of the eight victims were women. Such violence against Asian Americans has risen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
This continuing violence is alarming and needs systematic attention and efforts to eliminate gender, racial and sexual violence. This violence shakes the core values of the social work profession. As social workers, social work students, and educators, we have immense responsibility with teaching, learning, and advocating for change that facilitates the elimination of anti-Asian ideas and violence within society in the larger context of racial justice.
The SDSU School of Social Work repudiates racism, violence against women, and discrimination against Asian Americans. Every effort will be made to identify and promote anti-racism practices for the Social Work profession.
In particular, our School strongly supports the joint APISWA Statement below by the students and alumni of the San Diego State Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Association.
The Joint APISWA Statement by Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Association, School of Social Work
The students and alumni of the San Diego State Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Association strongly condemn the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and especially against those who are most vulnerable. We stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those who have been affected by such senseless acts of violence.
As social workers, we fight for social justice and promote equity. We are dedicated to advocating for and working in partnership with the most underrepresented members of our community. The increase in hate crimes against our AAPI community is also a direct attack against who we are and everything we represent. We commit to amplifying our voices and our stories to raise awareness about the AAPI experience and to strengthen our community.
We ask you to join us in honoring the voices and history of the AAPI community by listening to, advocating for and learning about our stories.
How You Can Support
• Check-in on your AAPI friends. Let them know you’re thinking about them and you support them.
• Contact your representatives. Call 1-844-USA-0234 and enter your zip code to be connected with your representatives and ask what they are doing to support the AAPI community.
• To learn more about how to get involved, visit https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/ or https://stopaapihate.org/.
