Anti-Asian Hate Crime on SJSU Campus

17 June 2022

Dear campus community,

This morning you received a campus SJSUAlert message about an anti-Asian hate crime attack that targeted a male of Asian descent on our campus early this morning. The suspect was arrested and the victim has received medical care. From what we know both the suspect and victim were not campus affiliates.

As I am sure for many of you, when we read this message our first concern is for the safety of members of our campus community as well as the safety of our local community. We are concerned not just for our physical safety but also for our social psychological safety and well-being. Hate crimes, especially crimes of assault and battery are especially frightening because they can make entire communities feel vulnerable, often altering our sense of safety and even changing our everyday behaviors and routines. It is not unreasonable to feel fearful, vulnerable, powerless or angry even if you have no personal connection to the victim. In the case of anti-Asian hate crimes we are particularly concerned for the most vulnerable in our community: our elders who have been systematically targeted over these last few years. Anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes have escalated in the last two years around the country including here in the Bay Area. And San José State University is not immune from those trends. We understand that this hate is based in white supremacy and systemic racism which permeates our society including media and politics. We know that hate crimes are not isolated incidents. As an institution we stand against hate and hate-based violence. Here are some of the things that are being done:

  • We are working with our local community to provide University Police with materials for AAPI specific resources and services to be distributed to the victim since the victim is not part of the San José State campus.
  • ODEI, Asian Pacific Islander Desi/American Student Success Center (APID/A), Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association, and MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center will continue to reach out and monitor community concerns.
  • We will continue to liaise with Chief Carroll of SJSU UPD to provide opportunities for communicating questions and concerns.
  • We have met with Associated Students President, Nina Chuang to discuss this incident and will continue working together moving forward.

Here are some thing you can do:

  • Please take time to check in, to care for and to get to know one another. It is important for us to build and maintain our community to support one another.
  • Educate yourself on Anti-Asian Racism and COVID-19 (Colorado)
    • Antiracist ToolkitsAntiracist Toolkit, Department of Asian Studies (UNC, Chapel Hill)
    • AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Racial Justice Toolkit (Vanderbilt)

In closing, as members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, we want to express our grief and anger at this terrible hate crime that took place on our campus. We also want to let you know that we are here and that our offices and organizations are available to hold space and provide opportunities to process as a community or even one-on-one. For anyone feeling the impacts of this hate crime we have resources available for you to process the many complex emotions you may be feeling during this time. Please know that you are not alone. Whether student or employee, our campus has counseling and resources available to you.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Wong(Lau), Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jinni Pradhan, Program Director, APID/A Student Success Center

Bonnie Sugiyama, Chair, Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association

Chris Yang, Director, MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center

As always, we have resources to help those who may need them. Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services or SJSU Cares, while employees are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program. We also offer a Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) that takes referrals regarding campus community members who may need assistance in terms of mental health support. BIT can consult or can reach out to individuals to provide support. Call 408-924-6339 or use this non-emergency referral form. Below is a list of campus based organizations and resources with staff who are knowledgeable about anti-Asian hate and support on these issues. Please contact them:

Below is a list of local community resources that can provide a starting place for legal and social services where staff are knowledgeable about anti-Asian hate and support on these issues. Please contact them: