NASPA Statement About the Lunar New Year Shooting

January 23, 2023

The NASPA community is devastated by the senseless loss of eleven lives this weekend at the start of the Monterey Park Lunar New Year celebration outside of Los Angeles, California. This particular tragedy deeply impacts the Chinese and Chinese-American community as many of the lives lost were elders within the Monterey Park community. The tragedy took place in the larger context of continued anti-Asian violence and mass shootings in America.

We grieve with impacted families and know that it is vital that we find ways to address hate and racism while also engaging in radical healing for ourselves and our loved ones, particularly our marginalized communities. NASPA stands with Asian and Pacific Islander communities to continue our work ensuring that we speak out and act to stop the continued pattern of race-based hate and violence while also empowering the API community through resources, reflection, and education.

We encourage our community members to continue to speak out, learn, and take action when witnessing rhetoric, harassment, or violence targeted towards Asian communities. Below are a few suggestions to connect in a meaningful way:

  • Reach out to Asian and Pacific Islander colleagues, without the expectation that they respond, and offer supervisees and students the space to share, grieve, and heal.

  • Connect with the API Knowledge Community, which offers NASPA members a space to be in community and engage with others addressing API and Desi American focus areas. You can also follow them on Instagram @naspa_apikc.

  • Join the movement to Stop Asian and Pacific Islander Hate at https://stopaapihate.org/. This reporting form is available in 15 languages and provides a way to report hate crimes and lists safety tips for those witnessing or experiencing hate.

  • Use the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services’ guidance document (May 2022) to raise awareness of prevention and response to hate crimes. 

Our hearts are heavy today, and we are reminded that there is still work to be done to make our institutions and organizations ones that demonstrate equity and create belonging for API communities. NASPA commits to continuing our own work and to partnering with so many of you to work for justice.