The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing Responds to the Atlanta Spa Shootings
On Tuesday, March 16, a white man embarked on a shooting spree across three spas in Atlanta, Ga, resulting in the murder of eight people, including six Asian women. The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission) strongly condemns this senseless, deplorable, and appalling act of violence and racism. The Commission members extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims and all loved ones left behind to grieve this unfathomable tragedy.
Xenophobia, discrimination, racism, violence, sexism, and the stigma against Asian, Asian American and the Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities must stop. Harmful rhetoric and disinformation have contributed to the rise of hate crimes and acts of violence targeting AAPI communities over the past year. Racism creates a health crisis that impacts a person’s mental, spiritual, and physical health as well as overall quality of life. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements obligates all nurses to be allies and to advocate for and speak up against racism, discrimination, and injustice. As nurses, we respect the human dignity of all people.
Racism, violence, discrimination, and injustice are major social determinants of health and have absolutely no place in a civil, humane society. The Commission stands in solidarity with AAPI communities to vehemently denounce and #StopAsianHate.
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About the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing
The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission) examines the persistent problem of racism within nursing and describes the impact on nurses, patients, communities, and health care systems to motivate all nurses to confront systemic racism. The work is urgent to create safe and liberating environments for all nurses as well as profession that exemplifies inclusivity, diversity, and equity. The Commission is comprised of leading nursing organizations that represent a broad continuum of nursing practice, ethnically diverse groups, nationally and in regions across the country and who have for years raised their individual voices to condemn all forms of racism within our society.