Statement of Stow Town Leaders Regarding Racism and Violence Against Asian-Americans

STOW – Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski and Police Chief Michael Sallese wish to offer the following statement to the Stow community:

“The slayings of eight people in Atlanta this week, six of whom were Asian women, have shocked our town, the nation and the world. We mourn the lives of those who died so needlessly. And we grieve for those in the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community who have increasingly been targets of violence across the nation. While this latest attack — regardless of any supposed motive — is the most heinous to date, it is only the most recent in a troubling trend we’ve heard about nationwide.

“We have a moral obligation to speak out on behalf of our Asian-American and Pacific Islander neighbors, visitors and friends who are affected not only by this tragedy, but by the increase in racism directed their way during the past year. We will stand firmly alongside anyone in our community who confronts racism, sexism, injustice and inequality.

“The Town of Stow is proud to be a welcoming and diverse community, and we remain committed to doing the work of fostering a climate of inclusion here in town and beyond our borders as well.

“On Tuesday, March 23, the Stow Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to support these sentiments, and fully join with the Town Administrator and Police Chief in taking a stand regarding racism and violence against Asian-Americans.”