Dear Members of the TC Community:

I am deeply distressed to be writing to our community today about yet another mass shooting. Saturday night’s heinous attack, which claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and injured many more in Monterey Park, California, is all the more horrific because it took place on the eve of the Lunar New Year, a joyous and celebratory holiday for so many Asian and Asian American communities.

To have this reprehensible act take place in Monterey Park, whose population is approximately 65 percent Asian American and 27 percent Hispanic and Latinx, and during a treasured time is extraordinarily painful and egregious. While the circumstances of this devastating act are still emerging, this violence deepens the pain and anxiety already created by an alarming wave of racist attacks against Asian and Asian American communities across our country in recent years.

We join together in mourning those murdered and extend our condolences to the families, friends and all those affected by this shocking act of violence.

We recognize the trauma and apprehension that Saturday’s attack causes for members of our community. As a reminder, the College offers resources if you need a place to talk or support: see respective links for students, employees and spiritual resources.

What gives me hope amid such devastating violence and loss of life is the work and commitment of our TC students, faculty, staff, alumni and extended community to foster a better world and find solutions to prevent gun violence; make mental healthcare more accessible and effective; and combat bigotry, hate and extremism.

We stand in solidarity with our Asian and Asian American students, faculty, employees, friends and neighbors in New York City, across the country and throughout the world.

Warmly,

Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College