Dear Harvard College Students,
 
Following President Bacow and Dean Gay’s messages, I write to share my outrage and frustration about the recent acts of violence against Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities, including the senseless murders in Atlanta that included at least six women of Asian descent. Many of these incidents have been fueled by racist rhetoric— rhetoric that isn’t just degrading and xenophobic, but also dangerous. 
 
We have seen a rise in anti-Asian violence since the onset of the pandemic, but the United States also has a long and shameful history of discrimination, violence, and hate directed towards Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. I know many of you share my outrage and frustration, and we must stand with our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities and denounce hatred, bigotry, and racism in all forms. We must continue to find ways to not only support each other when these heinous crimes occur, but we must work to build a community of care and solidarity towards changing the course for our future.  
 
The College remains committed to creating positive changes in our community and beyond. It is the resilience of our community, and the future you envision that gives me a feeling of hope and renewal for our society, despite the long road ahead. 

Semper veritas, 
 
Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College