The University of Utah is joining the national #WashTheHate campaign with #UtahWashTheHate. As the COVID-19 outbreak spread and was declared a national emergency in the United States, the U.S. Department of Education issued a letter to all colleges and universities across the nation citing an increase in reports of stereotyping, harassment and bullying toward students, staff and faculty perceived to be of Asian descent. These acts also have been documented in communities across the country.

To combat this rising tide of hatred, Asian American artists, leaders and influencers teamed up with IW Group, an Asian American communications agency, to launch #WashTheHate. The social media campaign is designed to raise awareness about anti-Asian bigotry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the U, there is no time for hate. University leaders proudly stand with Asian American leaders and our students, faculty and staff of Asian descent against xenophobia in all of its forms.

“While it is our responsibility to social distance and wash our hands to help keep ourselves and those most vulnerable to this virus healthy, it is also our responsibility to wash the hate from our community,” said Mary Ann Villarreal, vice president for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the U. “Fear is no excuse for practicing blame and hate and we certainly don’t have room for it on our campus.”