CHICAGO, March 18, 2021 – This week’s shocking acts of murder in Atlanta of eight people—most of whom were Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPI)—once again shines a light on the deeply abhorrent pattern of violence in this country, much of it directed at people of color. Collectively, we are shocked, saddened, and angry about these events, especially as they follow a growing and worrisome trend of violence targeting AAPI individuals and communities.

We want to send a message today of solidarity, acknowledgement, and caring to our colleagues, friends, and family members—especially those of you who are AAPI—as you navigate this unsettling trend and process these acute acts of violence.

For NORC’s part, we will continue to work as an organization to actively address issues of inequality, inequity, and racial division, and we will continue through our internal diversity and inclusion work to hold ourselves accountable, moving our organization toward an attainable future that is more aware, just, respectful, and diverse.