Statement in Support of our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Communities

*The following post contains language that some may find triggering.

Since COVID-19 began spreading throughout our nation and the world, those identifying with the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities have been subject to racist comments and actions. Now, as we have begun spring quarter, our own students, staff, and faculty are being subjected to these oppressive remarks in their virtual classroom and work settings. This is unacceptable and not the academic or work environment members of the APIDA community should be forced to endure. ASI Student Government stands in solidarity with our APIDA communities and will continue to hold the administration accountable to take action toward a more inclusive environment that allows all students, staff, and faculty to thrive and feel safe.

First, it is critical that as a community we are educated on recognizing the importance of this issue. The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion has created teaching and learning resources to help better understand this form of hate, racism, and discrimination. The resources provide tools for individuals to take in their classes, work environment, or within the greater San Luis Obispo community. If you see or are subjected to these forms of oppression, we strongly encourage you to report the incident to the Cal Poly Bias Incident Response Team.

Anti-Asian sentiments and any racist or xenophobic rhetoric about the APIDA community are not new. Associating a marginalized group of people with disease is also not new. However, it is critical that we reject as a community the idea that this is tolerable. As an additional step to show your support and take action in supporting our APIDA community, we encourage all members of the university to read the letter written by the Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association and consider signing your name as a sign of support.

Though we may find ourselves separated physically during these unprecedented times, remember that we are still one community and each member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. No matter the distance between us, we all play an important role in building a caring, diverse, equitable, and inclusive Cal Poly community.

In solidarity,

ASI Student Government