Dear ASPET members,

We are saddened and angry at the recent wave of violence against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, culminating in the senseless killing of 8 women in Atlanta, GA last week. This community has endured xenophobia and stigmatization that has spiked significantly since the outbreak of COVID-19. As we affirmed last July in endorsing a congressional resolution denouncing anti-Asian hatred, we stand with and support our Asian American and Pacific Islander friends and colleagues.

ASPET’s broad mission to increase the impact and influence of the discipline of pharmacology cannot be accomplished without a diverse membership. Science relies on and is improved by the contributions of its members from all cultures and backgrounds. ASPET aspires to be a welcoming place for scientists regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, mental or physical ability, age, gender, identity of expressions, or sexual orientation. Our community will not tolerate hatred, discrimination, or injustice.

ASPET encourages friends, colleagues, and mentors to reach out to members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and let them know that we support them and are available to assist them. In the wake of tragedy, we will emerge stronger and more dedicated to the global practice of science inclusive of all races and cultures.

Sincerely,

Charles France, PhD
President
ASPET