DEI – AAPI Statement

In accordance with its mission, the DEI Committee has its goal to address the historical trauma inclusive of racism and other aspects of identity as it permeates institutions and structures broadly. Prior to addressing the very recent Anti-Asian hate crimes, accounting the national reckoning on race, we acknowledge the ongoing experiences of racial injustice that we as a society and as individuals have been enduring personally and professionally. We expect over the course of the year to engage in addressing injustices as it relates to our institution and department.

At this very time, members of the Asian American Commission of Massachusetts have reached out to us, and released a public statement calling on leaders and community members to join their effort to address increasing acts of hate and violence against Asian communities. Of note is the victimization and murders of women and elders within these communities, including the recent murders of 6 Asian women in Atlanta. There have been 3,800 hate crimes reported by Asian Americans in the past year alone. As a committee and people devoted to the wellness and empowerment of all peoples, we strongly condemn all forms of racism and xenophobia against all communities.

In an effort to operationalize the mission of the DEI committee as it relates to this, we are implementing the following support measures:

    1. We have established a Diversity Support line (617-414-4650) to provide support regarding social injustices and crises as they arise. At this current time, the line is operational for supporting our AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) colleagues, with the intent to expand to our patient population as well.
    2. We have created a multi resource list (LINK) which is available for dissemination for anyone in need.
    3. We will be holding a healing circle for any BMC employees impacted by the recent violence against the Asian community. For more information, please contact the Diversity Support Line at 617-414-4650.

The Committee invites you to engage in any of these supportive measures and we welcome any additional suggestions you may have. Connect with us at 617-414-4650 or cmtp@bmc.org.

For those interested in collaborating with the Asian American Commission (AAC) to address anti-Asian racism and mental health impacts in the community, please contact AAC’s Health and Human Services Chair – Haniya Syeda (Haniya.syeda@bmc.org).