CCA Stands With Our Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community
Dear CCA Community -
Since the beginning of the pandemic, our nation has struggled and various populations have felt its impact throughout their communities. I have been greatly concerned that over the last month, hate crimes against the Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community continue to be on the rise. Within just this past month, there have been four horrific murders of Asian women in New York and Albuquerque, Christina Yuna Lee, Michelle Alyssa Go, Mary Ye, and Sihui Fang. Our hearts go out to these women, their families, and their communities. Unfortunately, these most recent incidents are added to an already sobering list of events. Anti-racist organizations have noted a staggering increase in targeted and unprovoked violence and harassment towards the AAPI communities. Organizations such as the StopAAPIHate.org , published their November 2021 National Report citing a total of 10,370 hate incidents against AAPI persons who reported to their website between March 19, 2020 and September 30, 2021. These numbers are shocking and frightening by themselves; and the AAPI community are struggling with anxiety and heartache, and many times fear that permeates through personal well-being, professional lives and relationships.
For those in need, here are some important resources I want to share with you today:
- Action:
- Act Now: Stop AAPI Hate
- How to Support the AAPI Community in Denver
- Safety Tips for Those Experiencing or Witnessing Hate (available in multiple languages)
- Education:
- Mental Health:
- Asian American Health Collective: Mental Health Resource Library
- Any student seeking support can contact CCA Mental Health & Counseling to set up an appointment with our therapist, Ersin Sulukioglu. CCA students receive 10 free therapy sessions each academic year. Please encourage anyone who would like to speak to Ersin to contact him directly at Ersin.Sulukioglu@ccaurora.edu.
- Staff and faculty may also take advantage of their CSEAP benefits through https://cseap.colorado.gov/contact-us.
- All CCA community members may reach out to the following resources at any time:
- Colorado Crisis Services - Call: 1-844-493-8255 or Text: “TALK” to 38255 or Chat: https://coloradocrisisservices.org/
- Aurora Mental Health Center: 303.617.2300
For CCA students who identify as AAPI and seeking community within CCA, you are invited to connect with the AAPI Affinity Support Group by reaching out to Susan Hua at Susan.Hua@CCAurora.edu
As President, I want to reemphasize that the Community College of Aurora is an institution where we prioritize your safety and foster a community of respect, dignity, and inclusion. Violence, harassment, and other racist actions directed at one community affects all of us and is not condoned. We will continue to strive to be a place where each person is valued and welcomed.
Mordecai Ian Brownlee, Ed.D.
Pronouns: he/him/his
President, Community College of Aurora
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