The following message is a statement from the entirety of the University of La Verne athletics department.
The University of La Verne athletics department stands firmly in support of our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) student-athletes, staff, and community in the face of rising racism, hate, and violence.
Over the last year, harassment, hate crimes, racism, and xenophobia towards the AAPI community have risen markedly. We want it to be clear that this and all hatred, racism, and bigotry have no place in our society and community. While this is only the most recent manifestation of a long history of anti-Asian and anti-immigrant sentiment within the United States, the University of La Verne athletics department condemns these and any acts of xenophobia, racism, hate speech, and violence.
Two parts of the University of La Verne's mission statement and core values are our dedication to a diverse and inclusive environment and our commitment to improving and enhancing our local, regional, and global communities. We reaffirm our commitment to these missions and values. We pledge ourselves to working against oppression and racism and to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive University of La Verne for all. We know one of our greatest strengths both on the field and off the field is our diversity. We have a responsibility to speak up, intervene, and call out racism. We dedicate ourselves to this work not only now, or in times of protest, but always.