Dear Wellesley Community,
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many inequalities in the United States, particularly the extent of racism within our country—from the disproportionately higher rates of infection and death that Black, Latinx, and Native communities are experiencing, to the significant increase in hate crimes against Asians and Asian-Americans. Hate crimes in the United States based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality have been on the rise since 2017, and a recent report examining police department statistics in 16 cities found that anti-Asian hate crimes were up nearly 150 percent in 2020. Some of these incidents were deadly.
Our Asian and Asian American community members have experienced this racism personally, both in the town of Wellesley and in the Greater Boston area, through incidents ranging from microaggressions to overt acts of hate.
Together, we must combat racism and bias. Our community stands with and in support of our Asian and Asian American students, faculty, and staff—and against anti-Asian and all racism and expressions of hatred.
In the wake of this pandemic, which has taken so much from so many, we will redouble our commitment to work to eliminate all forms of discrimination and division, and to come together to bring the hope and healing our country so desperately needs.
Sincerely,
Paula A. Johnson
President
