The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee seeks to add its voice to the statement recently posted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Carver College of Medicine regarding the increase in Anti-Asian hate crimes. The Department of Pediatrics denounces racism and hatred in all its forms. We do not believe in the scapegoating of Asians and Asian Americans and we denounce the hateful rhetoric used in associating the current pandemic to individuals of Asian descent. We stand in solidarity with our Asian brothers and sisters.

We would like to emphasize that we are here for all our trainees, faculty and staff. We know that racial trauma can lead to a host of mental health issues. We encourage you to reach out to people of Asian descent that you know and check in on them and let them know that you stand with them.

Here are some ways you can be an ally:

• Listen more than you talk—even if it’s uncomfortable. This isn’t a time to render opinions or draw suffering comparisons.
• Timely support is always appreciated. Leaders should feel the urgency to speak up early and often. Formal letters from leadership on behalf of organizations may feel like an echo chamber but they are worth the effort. Delays can be misunderstood as indifference and make the pain worse.
• The ministry of presence does not have to be physical. Those awkward text messages and emails create psychological safety in your organization and reduce loneliness. They also afford space to those who are still processing emotions and would prefer not to talk.
• Don’t place an expectation on the grieving to guide you through ways to help them heal. Though well-meaning, it can be overwhelming. This is particularly true in these current times.
• When in doubt, remember that support is a verb. Ultimately, sustained action or inaction will make your position clearer than any text message or email. Be sensitive to the unique intricacy of chronicity and missed opportunity when talking about racism.

- Kimberly D. Manning, MD

To learn about resources at the University of Iowa go here: https://diversity.uiowa.edu/news/2021/03/open-letter-our-university-comm...

One additional resource:

https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/?fbclid=IwAR3c1cItigWEp2Kcd...