Dear Writing Community,
The Southampton Writers Conference, Children’s Literature Conference and BookEnds program denounce the anti-Asian, Asian American and AAPI violence in our country. We are heartbroken and angered by the rise of anti-AAPI rhetoric and physical attacks which have increased dramatically since the start of the pandemic.
As a community designed to bolster writers, we continue to work to ensure our programs will be a safe space for writers of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities. Our programs stand in solidarity with Stony Brook University and the larger writing community in condemning these acts of hate.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, please report it to your local police department.
If you are a Stony Brook University student and are in immediate danger contact University Police at 333 from a campus phone or 631-632-3333. Otherwise, if you need to report an incident of hate or discrimination you can visit ReportIt for detailed instructions or visit the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Here are a few additional resources and helpful links:
Anti-Asian Violence Statement from President McInnis
SBU Non-Discrimination Statement from President McInnis
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Harvard: Statement on Asian and AAPI COVID-19 Related Harassment and Resources
If you are looking to read more by Asian American writers, this piece from Electric Literature is a great first step. You can also connect with Asian American Writers Workshop (AAWW) and Kundiman among others.
Christian McLean
Director, Southampton Writers Conference
Susan Scarf Merrell
Director, Book Ends
Emma Walton Hamilton
Director, Children’s Literature Fellows Program
Executive Director, Young Artists and Writers Project