March, 2021 - We are deeply saddened by the recent violent events that took place in Atlanta in which we lost eight individuals, including six identified as Asian or Asian American. This violence comes at a time when there have been many reports of racially motivated hate crimes against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in our own city and across the country. We value greatly the opportunity to engage with other cultures and want to ensure that all of our community - including the hundreds of international students and scholars who come to PSU to engage in scholarly exchange - feel welcome, supported and safe.
The events in Atlanta are a reminder that there is a lot of work to be done. The Office of International Affairs and our worldwide family express solidarity with the Asian, Asian-American and Pacific-Islander (AAPI) community. Committed to acceptance, dignity, and peaceful understanding through education and embracing cultural differences, we denounce the senseless acts of violence and intolerance that have gone on far too long. We stand with our students, faculty, staff, and the entire AAPI community.
We are well aware that many on our campus, some who are a long way from home, are already stressed and anxious. We encourage you to support one another, to use compassion with yourself and others, and to prioritize your well-being. There are resources available at PSU to support you, including International Student and Scholar Services, the CARE Team, SHAC, the Pacific Islander, Asian & Asian American Student Center, the Women's Resource Center, and the other cultural resource centers. Faculty and staff can also get support through the Employee Assistance Program.