Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash
At Portland Adventist Academy we love and are committed to supporting our Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Island community. We don’t want anyone to experience the pain of bigotry and prejudice. We stand with the North American Division and North Pacific Union Conference in their call for support of the Asian-American community:
As leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, we denounce the recent acts of violence and hatred against our brothers and sisters in the Asian-American community. God calls us to love all His children, no matter our differences. Our diversity makes us stronger as a people, and the variety of cultures making up our territory are a direct reflection of His creative power. We need to celebrate our differences and embrace the uniqueness of each and every person. We want all Asian-Americans to know we stand with them and beside them during this season where they are being unfairly targeted.We call on all our members to stand up and support the Asian-American communities where they live. Be vocal in your appreciation of our brothers and sisters in their time of need. Create a safe space for them by listening to their experiences and showing Christ-like compassion. There is no need for anyone to live in fear because of the color of their skin, or their race. The book of Proverbs commands us that, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17 NKJV).
If any student experiences fear or bullying, at PAA or away, please reach out to staff members to share your experience. Bullying and actions or language based in hate will not be tolerated at PAA. We are here to love as Christ loved.
One way our school community can report bullying, acts of hate, or hate language is through the online anonymous reporting form. That form is always available on the Safety and Wellness page. You are also invited and encouraged to report any incidents directly to myself, Mechelle Peinado or Vice Principal Drechelle McCray.
As we committed in the beginning of this year, we are here to Walk Together in Love.
Mechelle Peinado PAA Principal
Additional Resources: – What To Do if You Witness or Experience a Hate Incident – Report a Hate Incident (specific to Asian and Pacific Islanders): STOP AAPI HATE – Report a Hate Crime to Federal Authorities: Federal Report a Hate Crime – What’s the difference between a Hate Incident or Hate Crime? – How to be an Ally – Know the Facts: Nearly 3,800 hate incidents were reported against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationwide over the last year. Women were 2.3 times more likely to report an incident. – #StopAsianHate
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