"To our ethnic minority community: we boldly proclaim that you are treasured members of our community. Not only are you welcome here, but you belong, and Trinity Western University is committed to standing with you in solidarity, peace, and reconciliation."
— TWU President Mark Husbands
The Vancouver Police Department reported that hate crimes incidents increased 97% from 142 incidents in 2019 to 280 in 2020, with people from the Asian community being disproportionately targeted. In response to the rise in anti-Asian racism and violence during the pandemic, TWU President Mark Husbands made the following statement:
"Since the start of the global pandemic in early 2020, we have witnessed countless acts of violence against our Asian brothers, sisters, and elders. As a Global Christian University, we stand with the Asian community and openly express our commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
The rise in anti-Asian racism and violence during the pandemic is a tragic and shameful reality. Here in Greater Vancouver, B.C., visible minorities make up 48 percent of the population. Racism in every form is a profound sin and offence to the dignity of all people. Trinity Western University decries all threats and acts of violence against members of the Asian community here in British Columbia and worldwide.
Trinity Western welcomes students from over 70 nations. Today, 50 percent of people who attend TWU were born in a country outside of Canada. As a Christian university, we are honoured and enriched by such a diverse student body, staff, and faculty. Racial and cultural diversity is a gift and blessing of God. Together, we oppose all efforts to harm or threaten the dignity and safety of people. Every person has value and has been created to bear the image of God in Christ. As such, all people are worthy of our greatest care, protection, and love.
As the apostle John teaches us: 'We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another… let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.' (1 John 3:16,18) We grieve the suffering and pain caused by hatred and call all people to pursue peace and understanding.
To the Asian community, and in particular, to all Asian students, faculty, staff, and community members, please know that we stand with you. To our ethnic minority community: we boldly proclaim that you are treasured members of our community. Not only are you welcome here, but you belong, and Trinity Western University is committed to standing with you in solidarity, peace, and reconciliation.
Should you need a listening and supportive presence, our university Chaplains are available for pastoral care, and our TWU Wellness Centre counsellors are here to provide mental health support."
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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