Dear Kinesiology community,

The School of Kinesiology stands with the University of Michigan in expressing our deepest sympathy and condolences to those who are grieving another murderous attack that resulted in the death of eight people in Atlanta. The investigation is examining evidence that this horrific shooting spree might be motivated by misogyny and racism. Read President Schlissel’s full statement here.

The substantial rise in verbal and physical assaults on Asians and Asian Americans is abhorrent and deeply disturbing. We pledge our support for our Asian and Asian American faculty, staff, students, constituents, and respective communities. We stand together in condemning and rejecting the misogyny, racism, xenophobia, hate, and all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that target people of Asian descent (particularly today), and individuals of all ancestral descents (every day). We remain dedicated to achieving the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion that will make Kinesiology a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for all to feel valued and a sense of belonging. Lastly, we believe there is a collective strength in the differences between us that enriches the culture of our Kinesiology community, and there is a beauty in the space of humanity where we all unite. As such, we remain steadfast in our commitment to living our motto of KIN: All-IN!

The university offers many social justice, community support, and mental health resources for faculty, staff, and students that we encourage you to take advantage of. Among them are the following:

• Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Task Force
• Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA)
• Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI)
• For students: Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), including our school's embedded counselor Dr. Erin Albert
• For faculty and staff: Faculty & Staff Counseling & Consultation Office (FASCCO)

Also, please consider attending “Contextualizing Violence Against Asians and Asian Americans Within the History of US Relational Racism,” presented by the U-M Women’s & Gender Studies Department, on Friday, March 26, from 10:30am-noon. Panelists will discuss the recent anti-Asian and anti-Asian American violence sweeping the nation, and contextualize this violence within broader relational racial dynamics in US history. Zoom link: umich.zoom.us/j/94866591981.

So, let’s do our part – in our own unique and special way – to combat anti-Asian racism, and all forms of injustice.

In peace and solidarity,

Ketra Armstrong, Professor and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Lori Ploutz-Snyder, Professor and Dean