Dear College of Education Community,
This week, we enter a new Lunar Year, the Year of the Rabbit, a symbol that focuses on rest, reflection, and compassion, according to Jonathan H. X. Lee, an Asian and Asian American studies professor at San Francisco State University. Dr. Lee stated in an interview with NBC news that “The rabbit is a very strong symbol for peace…” and added that “to make the most of the year, people should also behave in accordance with this tranquil energy.“ To read more of the interview with Dr. Lee, please go to https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/year-rabbit-symbolize-rcna65578
Sadly, this week was anything but peaceful as the world witnessed yet another violent attack on AAAPI communities celebrating the Lunar New Year. Acting as an ally and an advocate for the safety and wellbeing of others is an important form of self-care. The National Association of School Psychologists Organization has developed an action statement that speaks to us all, attached, and has identified resources to support PK-12 students and families who are experiencing bullying and acts of violence. Please see the following:
Supporting Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Students ...
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) › diversity-and-social-justice › social-justice › support...
... AAAPI students are experiencing bullying and anti-Asian discrimination in their schools both in person and during virtual learning (Jeung et al., 2021).
For a list of other self-care options, please go to our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
May we all experience and advocate for peace in this Lunar Year of the Rabbit.
Warmly,
Shari