Dear BCBP members,
It is with tremendous sadness and heavy soul that we, the BCPB faculty members, express our sorrow and sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones in the recent attacks that happened on March 16th in Atlanta. Unfortunately, we are aware that these expression against Asian-Americans, Asian descendants and Native Asians which seem no longer to be isolated. The dubious information of a direct link between COVID19 and Asian has been spread to our communities, summarized in a simple and misleading label: “China virus”. This inaccurate and improper blamefulness has fomented attacks, harassments, physical and verbal aggression against the Asian community.
Here we, the BCBP faculty members, vehemently condemn any kind of mistreatment and disrespect directed towards the Asian community. We have recently given increased importance to the term intersectionality and this is what likely is behind crimes against female Asian. Our expectations are for investigation and accountability for those involved.
The wellbeing of our individuals and our communities, of all races and ethnicities, is of the highest priority. We will continue to speak out and work against these injustices for the benefit of all.
Brain Strahl PhD, Interim Chair and Professor
Silvia Ramos PhD, Diversity Liaison and Associate Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Biochemistry and Biophysics Department School of Medicine