Madison House Statement on Anti-Asian Violence

Dear Madison House volunteers, alumni, community partners, neighbors, and friends —

Madison House continues to stand in affirming the basic human right to live without fear of violence. Since the pandemic began, there has been a dramatic increase in violence against Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans (APIDAs). We condemn these acts of racism against the APIDA community and grieve the murder of 8 people, including 6 Asian women to a hate crime in Atlanta. We stand in support of the APIDA community and acknowledge the pain, anguish, and anger at this injustice. It is a justified anger that speaks to the intolerance, discrimination, and an often overlooked history of anti-Asian oppression. 

We urge everyone to take a moment to read a recent report by the Asian Student Union at UVA, which shares the deep and positive impacts of the APIDA community on Grounds. Below are additional resources and ways to advocate and support:

• Check out #WeAreNotInvisible: A Report on Academic Reform written by the Asian Leaders Council at UVA 

• Invest in learning about Asian American history and the long-standing violence enacted against these communities: #WeAreNotAVirus: Asian American History Video Series and A Different Asian American Timeline 

• Access resources to document and address COVID-19-related hate and discrimination from Asian Americans Advancing Justice 

We encourage everyone to pause and to take the time needed to look after themselves and their peers. If you are in need of support, we suggest reaching out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or make use of the empathetic listening services through Madison House’s HELP Line: 434-924-TALK. Additional resources for members of the APIDA community are available through the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA). This list of resources has been adapted from the University of Virginia Department of Equity and Inclusion, Multicultural Student Services, as well as members of our own Madison House staff, Board, and student leadership.

For fifty years, Madison House has worked to build reciprocal partnerships to address community needs. We recommit ourselves to the pursuit of anti-racist work and remain committed to developing the next generation of community-minded leaders. We will continue to work to do better, to be better, and to stand in solidarity with our student leaders, alumni, and community partners.

Sincerely,

Madison House Staff

Madison House Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) Committee