Education Minnesota stands in support of Asian–American and Pacific Islander educators and students

For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work) 
651-247-5539 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minnesota. March 17, 2021 – After the shooting deaths of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in the Atlanta area this week, Education Minnesota President Denise Specht released the following statement: 

“We are mourning the deaths of eight people in Georgia, including six women of Asian descent. The racial hatred behind these killings seems clear to us, although we acknowledge the investigation is ongoing.  

“This attack is the latest example of a disgusting pattern of harassment and bullying of Minnesota students and educators of Asian-American and Pacific Islander descent since the start of the pandemic – behavior inspired by racist rhetoric about the origin of the coronavirus that has taken so many lives. 

“Our union stands for safe and welcoming schools and communities for everyone, no matter what they look like or where they’re from. We reject the attempts to divide Minnesotans by race and place and call on everyone to come together and make a state where everyone can thrive, white and Black, Asian and Latinx, native and newcomer.” 

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.