The IFO is saddened by reports of anti-Asian discrimination and violence in the U.S. and around the world as Chinese and other Asians are unjustly blamed for COVID-19. We stand in support of our Asian and Asian American faculty, staff, students, and any others who may be targeted in racist or xenophobic attacks. If you have experienced racial harassment as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, please contact us at parknelson@ifo.org and/or report the discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by clicking here.
WEBINAR: Countering Xenophobia and Anti-Asian Discrimination During COVID-19
If you are interested in learning more about how to deal with this problem, we encourage you to participate in a webinar, “Countering Xenophobia and Anti-Asian Discrimination During COVID-19” offered by the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) on April 10. CAAL is a Minnesota-based advocacy and organizing non-profit coalition. Please register for the webinar here. For more information about CAAL, visit https://caalmn.org/.
As you take steps to protect your health and that of others, keep in mind that we are fighting a virus, not members of our communities. Discrimination, stereotypes, xenophobia, and racism remain as harmful to our campus and local communities as before the emergence of COVID-19.
In solidarity,
Brent Jeffers
IFO President
Kim Park Nelson, Ph.D.
IFO Equity Inclusion Coordinator