Tunxis Community,
The rising anti-Asian racism and reported hate incidents across the country has been shocking to me and many others in our campus community. Many of us have been shaken, not just by the recent horrific events in Georgia, but by the increase of racism, violence, and hatred across the country over the last several years.
Our thoughts, support, and prayers go out to the families who have recently lost loved ones in these senseless acts of violence, and we stand in solidarity with our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students, employees, partners, friends, and neighbors.
I want to state, unequivocally, that racism and hatred have no place at Tunxis. The college’s ongoing efforts, including a recently sponsored anti-racism workshop, the Civic Engagement Institute, and Office of Equity and Inclusion, continue to positively inform and impact our community as we stand and work with our Asian American students and colleagues to help combat the forces of misinformation and racism directed against the AAPI communities, as well as other communities that make up our wonderfully diverse campus. At Tunxis, we continuously strive to be a place where we learn from each other by embracing our differences so that we can become stronger as a community.
As we stand in solidarity with our AAPI community, I hope the following information and resources will be helpful to you:
- Asian American Commission Community Action Guide: Responding to AAPI Hate Incidents (PDF)
- National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA): NAAPIMHA’s mission is to promote the mental health and well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- Anti-Defamation League (ADL): Student Tool Kit: Responding to Hate
- The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) provides resources, assistance and support for victims harmed by crime and crisis. Call 1-800-TRY-NOVA (879-6682).
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress, as well as provides crisis resources and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- South Asian Network (SAN) offers free and low-cost individual, group, and family counseling. They will also provide referrals to other mental health professionals.
Dr. Darryl Reome
Tunxis Campus CEO