On Wednesday, March 24, at 9 p.m., members of the Stevens community joined together virtually in STOP ASIAN HATE: A Virtual Rally & Interactive Dialogue.
Initiated after increased violence towards Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members, including the recent Atlanta shootings, students and faculty members organized the rally to educate the Stevens community about recent events, provide a safe space to support the AAPI community, and join together in solidarity.
Cohosted by Undergraduate Student Life, a few Stevens departments and offices, and several student organizations, the event began with Dr. Leo Pedraza, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Life, giving an introductory statement on the purpose and intention of the rally.
Repeating the mantra “together we stand,” Dr. Pedraza emphasized that the event was a safe space for anyone to express their feelings, whether they be rage, anger, support, or anything else. A digital mural was also shared as a way for students to express themselves.
With approximately 120 attendees, students shared personal experiences dealing with racism and shared advice on how to be an ally to the AAPI community. Presentations were given by Nu Alpha Phi fraternity, Japanese Student Association, Korean Student Association, Chinese Student Association, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the Student Government Association, the Lore-El Center, and Sigma Delta Tau sorority.
Topics discussed included the model minority myth, microaggressions, student-organized fundraisers, Asian-owned businesses to support, and resources on how to be anti-racist. Coupled with this, video clips were shown to provide context for the current anti-Asian climate, showcase personal anecdotes from members and allies of the AAPI community, and share powerful poems.
Emphasis was placed on listening, offering support, checking in on your AAPI friends, donating to organizations, using correct vernacular, and using #StopAsianHate instead of #AsianLivesMatter, as ways to actively work to fight against anti-Asian racism.
The event ended with time set aside for participants to express their thoughts and emotions. Participants shared their personal experiences and sentiments and expressed their gratitude towards everyone who has taken action to support the AAPI community.
As a school with a large Asian American undergraduate and graduate population, we must work to ensure the safety and inclusion of our peers. This can be as simple as understanding that some students feel unsafe walking through or traveling to Hoboken, or even down the street. To report instances of racism on campus, file a concern by going to stevens.edu/report.
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