UTFA strongly condemns all instances of anti-Asian racism, hate crimes, and acts of harassment and discrimination. Although anti-Asian discrimination has surged over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic it has too often gone unchallenged in the media and by government leaders.
The University of Toronto community and the greater Toronto area of which it is a part has been significantly harmed by anti-Asian racism. Reports by community-based agencies serving Asian Canadian communities and government agencies have documented an alarming increase in discriminatory incidents and targeted attacks against Asian Canadians, as has a recent study on anti-Asian discrimination by U of T researchers.
UTFA recognizes that anti-Asian racism is a distinct form of racism that is often linked to misogyny and other forms of systemic oppression. We acknowledge that Canada has a deep-rooted history of systemic racism and oppression against Asian Canadians and peoples of Asian descent. We condemn the political rhetoric and social media postings that have falsely blamed East Asian communities for the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
UTFA stands in solidarity with our faculty, librarians, staff, and students who are members of the Asian community at the University of Toronto and urges all members of the University of Toronto community to respond to and condemn all acts of anti-Asian racism.
---The Executive Committee of the University of Toronto Faculty Association