Posted on 03/18/2021

March 18, 2021

Dear UPSD Community: 

We want to express our profound sadness at the shooting in Atlanta earlier this week. Many details are still unknown, but this act of violence comes at a time when incidents of anti-Asian hate are on the rise.  Of the eight lives lost in Atlanta, six were people of Asian descent. In UPSD, we recognize that the pain and fear caused by these terrible acts is felt deeply by Asian, Asian-American and Pacific-Islander students, colleagues, families and community members.  

In the last year, fueled by misinformation about the COVID19 pandemic, there have been a growing number of incidents of anti-Asian hate and discrimination in our country and in Washington state. There is no truth to any assertion that blames a specific group or country for COVID19 or any of its variants.  We condemn this misinformation and all acts of racism, discrimination and racial violence it might incite.

To the Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander families in UPSD, please know that we grieve with you and recognize the pain that these incidents cause. We remain committed to continuing work in our schools to eliminate hatred, discrimination and racism. We also want to nurture a close partnership with students and families to ensure that all such incidents are brought to our attention.

Speaking up and out against acts of racism and violence is everyone’s responsibility. To report incidents of harassment or discrimination or to request support as a student, parent or employee, please contact a school or district administrator. Resources are available to support both students and staff members. Information about reporting safety concerns and acts of discrimination can be found here. To report hate crimes, call 911. Additional resources from the local chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) concerning anti-Asian racism can be found here.

Sincerely, 

Jeff Chamberlin

Superintendent