Official Statement from GCPL’s Executive Director on Violence and Discrimination Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community
The Gwinnett County Public Library’s (GCPL) Executive Director, Charles Pace, and the staff stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and strongly condemn acts of violence and discrimination against them.
We are deeply concerned and appalled by the recent attacks in Atlanta, Georgia, which left eight people dead. Since the start of the pandemic, anti-Asian hate crimes have increased 149% in 16 of America’s largest cities, according to the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University. Xenophobic language and negative stereotyping of Asians relating to the pandemic has fueled discrimination, and hate crimes against this community, and we condemn this vigorously.
The Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) remains determined in its commitment to advance equity and inclusivity, and to bring together diverse individuals, knowledge, and different points of view, to enrich the community we represent and live in. Throughout GCPL’s 15 branches around Gwinnett County, we offer diverse resources and programs to reflect the rapid change of our neighborhoods.
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community are our customers, friends, neighbors, staff, and colleagues, and we would like them to know that GCPL will continue its efforts to create and sustain an inclusive community for all.
Please visit the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association’s page for Covid-19 Anti-Racism Resources, by clicking here.