Dear Friends,
As I reflect on events of recent weeks, underscored by violent acts against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, multiple mass shootings, and a local reckoning with issues of suicide and self-harm, I feel compelled to state on behalf of Yale Schwarzman Center our stance as an organization that embraces the ideals of a just and equitable society.
We stand in solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and acknowledge our shared responsibility to undo racism and xenophobia. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence and acknowledge our shared responsibility to condemn violence in all its forms. We stand in solidarity with those in crisis and acknowledge our shared responsibility to co-create wellness and belonging in our world.
We recognize the power of human connection to encourage cultural exchange, to educate, and to inspire action. And we embrace the YSC’s role as a site for human connection.
While the events of recent weeks weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, I remain hopeful that YSC can be a part of needed systemic change, in part through responsive programming that is developed in partnership with our communities.
For those seeking to collaborate on ideas for change, or to move ideas into action, I invite you to take advantage of our Sessions model. Sessions are peer-led gatherings – held virtually during this time of physical distancing – that can provide a space for individuals to find strength in a shared purpose.
As stated by Yale President Peter Salovey in his March 18 email to the university community, “Recent tragedies as well as the ongoing pandemic help us see more clearly than before that we have a long road ahead of us to address deep-rooted challenges in our society.”
We invite you to join us in the relentless pursuit of change.
Garth Ross
Executive Director
Yale Schwarzman Center