Compassion, empathy and kindness are critical elements in caring for patients as nurses. But those are also critical elements to possess as humans, which is why the recent senseless acts of violence on our Asian American Pacific Islander community – in particular, the heartbreaking news of the recent deadly shooting in Atlanta – have stopped us in our tracks. At the University of Florida College of Nursing, we mourn the loss of those eight victims and condemn racism and violence in all its forms. We stand with the Asian community. We must work together, not just as nurses but as humans, to put a stop to AAPI hate and discrimination. We will continue the fight toward advocacy for social justice to put an end to racism and discrimination that exists throughout our country.
It has been said before, but bears repeating: In the College of Nursing, we don’t have a place for any kind of “ism,” including racism.
In the College of Nursing, we strive to be inclusive of everyone and to give each individual a sense of belonging.