From National SOPHE (and in Agreement with Northern California SOPHE)

SOPHE Condemns Violence Against the Asian-Pacific Community 

 

Washington, DC – March 19, 2021 – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
stands in mourning and solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, following murders of eight people this week in Georgia,
six of whom were Asian women. We are deeply saddened by these tragic deaths and offer condolences to the victims’ families, co-workers, and colleagues.
Although facts and motive in the case are still under investigation, these murders follow a year of confirmed escalating attacks, racism, discrimination,
negative rhetoric and misinformation against Asian Americans and Asians in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Such hostile messages and racism
must be overtly condemned and are counter to our country’s founding principles of equality and moral solidarity of humanity.
SOPHE is redoubling its efforts to achieve health equity, as well as to support diversity, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion at the national level and through its chapters. Furthermore, we will continue
to advocate for gun violence research and legislation and increased support for culturally tailored mental health services to
make our communities safer and healthier.
As a nation we must denounce anti-Asian and other race-based violence and discrimination, sexism and structural racism. We must call for our law enforcement
and elected officials to address the increase in hate crimes and
correct hateful misinformation in our social media and communities. Let us unite to fight against racial/ethnic intolerance, malicious speech,
and systems that divide us and work toward healing, justice, and equal dignity of all persons.