Dear MATC Community:
The rise in racist attacks against Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the U.S. amid the COVID-19 pandemic is tragic. This week, the killing of eight people in the Atlanta area — including six AAPI women — has only heightened understandable fears among AAPI communities across the nation.
I stand in support of our AAPI students and employees at Milwaukee Area Technical College, especially those who are feeling real fear and concern at this time. We must ensure our college is free from racism, discrimination, harassment and bias of any kind.
Racist language and attacks cannot be tolerated and I encourage both students and employees to report any such incidents that take place. Beyond reporting incidents, employees who need someone to talk to can always access our employee assistance program (EAP) and students have access to both licensed professional counselors (LPC) and the Asian American Student Services Office within Multicultural Student Services.
The rise in hate incidents in 2020 prompted the creation of the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin. The group is hosting an event this evening at Milwaukee City Hall.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating an environment that lives up to our value of inclusion for all students and employees.
Sincerely,
Vicki J. Martin, Ph.D.
President
Milwaukee Area Technical College