The Department of Historical and Cultural Studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough stands in solidarity with all members of our community of Asian descent and with Asian diasporic communities across North America in the wake of horrific murders of eight people (including seven women, six of them of Asian descent) in the Atlanta area in Georgia: Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Xiaojie Tan, Paul Andre Michels, Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, and Yong Ae Yue. We strongly reject efforts to present their killings as somehow not racially motivated, or to separate this act of terrorism from a growing climate of anti-Asian and anti-immigrant hatred, repeatedly stoked by callous political leaders in recent years. We also recognize the very long history—in Canada as well as in the U.S.—of institutionalized racism, of undervaluing racialized persons' lives across this continent, of exploitative and precarious employment of Asian immigrants, and of the objectification of Asian women's bodies. As a department, we are dedicated to the critical study of past and present societies, and to exploring the intersectional effects of race, class, gender, and sexual hierarchies on diverse lived experiences. Today we renew our commitment to feminist, anti-racist, and decolonial action and analysis of the social, economic, and political processes that emboldened this shooter and others before him. Our hearts go out to the victims' families and loved ones, and to everyone impacted by these racist and misogynistic murders.
Read Principal Wisdom Tettey’s full statement regarding the attacks and President Meric Gertler's statement in solidarity with UofT’s Asian community members.
For students in need of support, help is available through UofT My SSP (24/7 counselling support) by calling 1-844-451-9700 or downloading the app at the Apple App Store or Google Play. The International Student Centre and our Multi-Faith Centre chaplains are also available for support. Additional resources can also be found through the Navi wayfinder and the UofT Student Mental Health Resource.
Support for staff and faculty is available through the Employee and Family Assistance Program, or please call 1-800-663-1142.