The Department of Russian and East Asian Languages and Cultures condemns the increase in anti-Asian Pacific Islander violence in the COVID era. We grieve with the families of the victims of deadly violence in the Atlanta area on March 16, and we stand in steadfast solidarity with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities at Emory, in Atlanta, and more broadly. Dedicated to the better understanding among peoples, REALC works through teaching and research to dismantle the prejudices and institutional practices that dehumanize people based on race, ethnicity, religion, language, class, gender/sexuality, or ability. To our students, alumni, and colleagues around the world, you have our support, our understanding, and our commitment to oppose injustice.

The faculty in the Department of Russian and East Asian Languages and Culture at Emory University are horrified and deeply saddened by events unfolding in Ukraine as Russian forces invade. We affirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and support addressing the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine as thousands are killed or wounded and millions are uprooted. We are aware that thousands of people in Russia are risking their safety and their lives protesting against this invasion. Russia’s shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine; new waves of evacuations and refugees; arrests in Russia; demonstrations against these acts of war in many cities of the world. We join all people of conscience calling for immediate and crippling sanctions against Russia’s political leadership and its kleptocratic accomplices in Russia and elsewhere, cessation of violence and sincere commitment to a diplomatic and just resolution.