Director's Message of Solidarity with the Asian Community


March 19, 2021

To the SMPA Community, 

Yet again we witnessed a heinous, horrific act of violence in this country. Following this week’s tragedy in Atlanta that killed eight people, including six Asian women, I echo President Leblanc’s statement yesterday condemning the hatred and violence against the Asian community. 

We are deeply outraged by this crime which has taken place amid a spike of hate crimes against Asians and Asian-Americans in the United States. The persistent discrimination of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the United States, and around the world, should be condemned. At SMPA, we denounce any form of hate, racism, misogyny and xenophobia, and remain committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and tolerant community of learning.

To our faculty, students and staff who are Asian or of Asian descent: our thoughts are with you as we struggle to understand what happened. We send our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy. We want to emphasize that you are valued members of our community. We stand in solidarity with you. 

Be safe, be well, and be kind with yourself and others.

Silvio Waisbord

Director, The School of Media and Public Affairs