Asian and AAPI Support

CAPS Statement to our USU Community About Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander COVID-19 Related Harassment and Resources

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an escalation of harassment, discrimination, and hate crimes against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the nation. The Stop AAPI Hate reporting center documented 3,000 hate incidents since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, approximately 80 incidents per day. These recent incidents have profound impacts on Asian and AAPI persons across the country and within the Utah State University community. Throughout U.S. college campuses, international Asian and AAPI students report rising racially-motivated harassment and assaults. Anti-Asian and Pacific Islander harassment and hate are part of a long history of racism and xenophobia in the United States. These acts are not in line with our values at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

CAPS is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our agency, and we aim to create a system that promotes equity for every student. We also aspire to create a safe environment for students to discuss issues related to social justice and strive to eliminate barriers for students to access resources and opportunities. At CAPS, we denounce violence against members of Asian and AAPI communities on campus and across the United States. We stand in solidarity with victims, survivors, and communities who have suffered loss and pain as a result of these violent acts, and we encourage other members of our campus community to join us in doing so.

As mental health professionals, we realize that racial trauma and intergenerational trauma has a profound effect on mental health and well-being. We hold space for any emotions you might be feeling from sadness and grief, hopelessness and fear, anger and rage, to hope and empowerment. We strive to be part of your healing process. We stand with you in protesting against injustice, calling for peace, and fighting for liberation.