World Learning and SIT Stand with the Asian American Pacific Islander Community

Publication Date: March 20, 2021
Publication Location: WASHINGTON
Contact: Kathryn Schoenberger   |   [email protected]

To the World Learning and SIT Community,

This week, eight people were murdered in and around Atlanta, Georgia, six of whom were women of Asian descent. This is just one of a growing number of occurrences of anti-Asian racism and violence that have been occurring across the United States. We at World Learning and School for International Training (SIT) are deeply disturbed by these attacks. We condemn this racist and xenophobic rhetoric and violence and stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that have been harmed.

These recent incidents are rooted in a long history of anti-Asian discrimination and violence in the U.S. that must be addressed. We at World Learning and SIT are dedicated to doing the hard work of confronting biases, discrimination, and racism in ourselves, our organization, and our communities to dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to harm and disenfranchise people of color, immigrants, religious and ethnic minorities, women, and all others who are marginalized.

Our organization was founded with the aim of creating a more peaceful and just world by cultivating and expanding intercultural understanding and respect. During this difficult time, we call on all those who share our values to join us by speaking out and acting to help end systemic oppression once and for all.

To our students, participants, faculty, and staff of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, this organization and its leadership are here to support you. We encourage SIT students to reach out for support about your experiences, fears, or concerns to your program staff or to SIT’s Office of Student Health, Safety & Well-Being where we also have counseling resources available to you. Staff and faculty are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources for assistance.

I also wanted to provide some additional resources you can use to take action against anti-Asian racism and support Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (information courtesy of The Communications Network):

• Collection of Anti-Asian Violence Resources including links to statements, donation pages, education resources, and more
• Resource Directory from Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP)
• StopAAPIHate.org
• Bystander intervention training to protect yourself and others from harassment

Sincerely,
Carol Jenkins
CEO, World Learning