Standing in Solidarity and Supporting our AAPI Communities

We have seen a horrific rise in violence in the US against the Asian American/Pacific Island (AAPI) community fueled, at least in part, by some of our elected leaders who have blamed Asian countries for intentionally creating the Covid-19 pandemic, despite any evidence otherwise. While examples of this brutality and domestic terrorism have recently been in the news, it is a reminder that scapegoating, discrimination, racism, and violence directed at our AAPI friends, family members, neighbors, peers, communities, students, and others has always been a painful part of our history, both nationally and at the local level. Tacoma was incorporated as a city in the latter part of the 19^th century. Since the beginning and similar to the rest of the U.S., AAPI communities were subjected to acts of xenophobia and hate, providing the foundation for institutional oppression and attempts of systematic erasure that occurred in Tacoma and continues to occur all over our country today.

Psychological & Wellness Services stands in solidarity and support of our AAPI communities. We acknowledge that acts of discrimination and hate impacts the safety, health, and wellbeing for people of AAPI descent. Concerns about harm towards oneself or family, bracing for the next microaggression, being subjected to the Myth of the Model Minority, as well as having direct and indirect exposure to race-based violence are all examples of discrimination and can be troubling and traumatizing. We are available to listen and provide support in a confidential setting. As professionals, we are also committed to furthering our knowledge about discrimination and violence directed at AAPI communities and how we can best provide mental health services and social justice efforts for the university community that we are privileged to serve.

In addition to the resources provided for Mental Health Services, Self Help Resources, How to report Harassment and Violence, and Taking Action, we also included information about AAPI Tacoma History. We believe that one way to work towards Social Justice and Equity for AAPI communities (and other BIPOC communities) is to understand our local history.

Mental Health Resources