Statement of solidarity with AAPI community

The TERC community was horrified and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic shooting at three massage parlors across the Atlanta-area on March 16, 2021. To the families and friends of the 8 victims, we send our most heartfelt condolences and wishes for comfort. To those who experienced injury and trauma, we send our hopes for complete mental, emotional, and physical recovery. It cannot be overstated how appalled and upset we were to learn that this senseless act of domestic terrorism was driven by racist, sexist, anti-sex worker, and white supremacist ideologies and motives. As a result, we lost the lives of 6 Asian women, fueling a toxic strain of violence committed against Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities over the past year.

Since March 19, 2020, there have been approximately 4,000 “hate incidents” (including assault, discrimination, murder, slurs, and more) directly related to spiteful misinformation, lies, and abhorrent messaging toward the AAPI community throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. TERC vehemently condemns ALL acts of racism and violence levied against you and we stand beside you in solidarity to celebrate ALL of your humanity, histories/lineages, and diverse identities. We must not cower before xenophobia or let it go unchecked. TERC vows to support you by continuing to uplift AAPIs as integral to the fabric of our country and the world. TERC will work to identify and dismantle inequities and challenges that confront AAPI learners so that we may create more inclusive and safer STEM learning environments. We ask that our partner organizations, families, academic institutions, and the community at large support the fight against anti-Asian racism and racism and hatred in ALL forms.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama

Please use these links to educate yourself on Anti-Asian Racism: