March 19, 2021 – SOPHE stands in mourning and solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, following murders of eight people this week in Georgia, six of whom were Asian women. We are deeply saddened by these tragic deaths and offer condolences to the victims’ families, co-workers, and colleagues.

March 19, 2021 – SOPHE stands in mourning and solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, following murders of eight people this week in Georgia, six of whom were Asian women. We are deeply saddened by these tragic deaths and offer condolences to the victims’ families, co-workers, and colleagues.

Although facts and motive in the case are still under investigation, these murders follow a year of confirmed escalating attacks, racism, discrimination, negative rhetoric and misinformation against Asian Americans and Asians in connection the COVID-19 pandemic. Such hostile messages and racism must be overtly condemned and are counter to our country’s founding principles of equality and moral solidarity of humanity.

SOPHE is redoubling its efforts to achieve health equity, as well as to support diversity, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion at the national level and through its chapters. Furthermore, we will continue to advocate for gun violence research and legislation and increase support for culturally tailored mental health services to make our communities safer and healthier.

As a nation we must denounce anti-Asian and other race-based violence and discrimination, sexism and structural racism. We must call for our law enforcement and elected officials to address the increase in hate crimes and correct hateful misinformation in our social media and communities. Let us unite to fight against racial/ethnic intolerance, malicious speech, and systems that divide us and work toward healing, justice, and equal dignity of all persons.

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