SASE Denounces Violence Against AAPI Community

March 10, 2021

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and frequent national headlines about violence and hate crimes against Asian heritage individuals, the Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE) unequivocally denounces any verbal or physical attacks against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, particularly our most vulnerable: the elderly.

In 2020 alone, it was reported that one in four young Asian Americans experienced some form of racism, much of it stemming from false, blameful rhetoric regarding the cause of this pandemic. Simply put, this type of blatant discrimination against one's identity and heritage -- for any reason, at any time, with or without a pandemic -- is unacceptable.

We stand in solidarity with the victims of these attacks and their families by asking for peace and healing among all people during this time of global crisis. We also call on our friends, colleagues, and allied organizations around the world to do their part in identifying and eliminating the negative, systemic behaviors that have resulted in this unprecedented level of violence against the AAPI community.

As an organization, SASE prepares AAPI students and professionals to become leaders in their fields while celebrating diversity in all settings, from campuses to offices and everywhere in between. On behalf of our Board, our staff, and our entire membership, our most sincere hope is for the AAPI community to enter a respectful, welcoming future -- one where fundamental human rights are given the utmost priority.

How Can You Help?

• Educate yourself through advocacy organizations like Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ).
• Participate in bystander intervention training to learn how to respond to racist harassment.
• Report hate crimes using this incident reporting tool to help develop better anti-violence policies.
• Donate directly to victims who have experienced anti-Asian attacks.
• Attend our virtual Spark the Future competition on April 30, which asks teams to develop creative, engaging solutions to social justice challenges. Like all SASE programs, the purpose is to elevate AAPI voices and promote allyship among the global community.

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For Immediate Release or any questions

Contact: Robert Purper

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