COVID-19 and prejudice against Asians, Asian Americans, & Pacific Islanders

At ULCC, we care about the experiences and well-being of all of our community members. Given the increase in overt prejudice and racially-motivated attacks against Asian and Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people since the COVID-19 crisis began, we'd like to share this video. In it, Dr. Talee Vang, a clinical psychologist in Minnesota, offers suggestions about how we can respond helpfully and effectively as allies and bystanders when we witness someone being targeted. She speaks directly to targeted individuals as well, providing useful suggestions for dealing with racial attacks in the moment.

Nearly 4,000 hate crimes against AAPI people have been reported in the US since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (Stop AAPI Hate). In early 2021 alone, there have been a series of incidents and random attacks targeting Asian and Asian-American people, including the most recent shootings that occurred in Atlanta, GA, resulting in the deaths of eight people, six of whom were identified as Asian women.

We condemn racist and xenophobic rhetoric, hate and violence of all kinds, and we recognize that such violence and harassment creates real trauma and negatively impacts the students we serve as well as many members of the University of Louisville community (along with their family and friends).

We proudly and unwaveringly stand with our Asian and Asian-American friends, family, students and colleagues.

Counseling Center

COVID-19 and prejudice against Asians, Asian Americans, & Pacific Islanders