Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, March 16, eight people were murdered at three spas in the Atlanta area, including six women of Asian descent. This mass shooting is yet another example of the disturbing increase of violence against the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community. The following is a statement from NSC CEO Andy Van Kleunen:
At National Skills Coalition, we are sickened and saddened by the horrific acts of violence in Georgia this week, and the rise in anti-Asian discrimination, bigotry, harassment, and violence in the last year.
According to Stop AAPI Hate, there have been nearly 3,800 hate incidents toward Asian Americans since March of 2020 – and that number is likely just a fraction of incidents that actually occur. NSC stands with Asian American and Pacific Islander workers, students, businesses, and communities in condemning these racist acts.
NSC’s mission is grounded in the belief that every person should have the opportunity to live and work safely and securely, and to enjoy the freedom to pursue and realize their aspirations. That means we all have a role to play in ending structural racism and committing to racial equity.
Please join us and follow the #stopasianhate hashtag on Twitter to learn about how to support the many national and community organizations working to stop acts of violence against the AAPI community.
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