The Cornell Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) supports the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and the wider Black communities as we “stand with the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery. We give honor to their memories and to the memories of countless others who have been unjustly taken from this world, whether we know their names or not. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and acknowledge that the people they have lost are more than a hashtag.” Email from Domonique Collins, BLSA In Solidarity, to all students at Cornell Law School.

APALSA supports all members of the Black communities at this time and always. We stand with BLSA and our fellow peers to fight against racial violence and discriminatory attitudes and policies.

While the message is clear that Black Lives should and do matter, we live in a country that has not succeeded in living up to its promise of equality and justice. We refuse to be silent. We must show that we listen, we acknowledge, we understand, and we care. As Asians, we must understand our own place in the historical racism in this country. As law students, we must use our platform and education to push for accountability and equality. As peers, we must support our Black classmates who have existed in the daily reality of racism and violence against their community long before the recent murders of George Floyd and others. As individuals, we must challenge the discriminatory attitudes and beliefs within our own communities. As future lawyers, we must always use our knowledge and compassion to foster and sustain an equitable society.

Please know that we are available for any questions or support. We stand with you.

In solidarity,

Cornell APALSA