State societies, firms speak out against Asian-American violence

March 22, 2021 10:07 AM

In the wake of the Atlanta shootings last week, a number of prominent accounting firms, state societies and organizations have released statements condemning the rise of Asian-American violence in the United States.

Pan-Asian accounting organization Ascend Leadership announced a public online forum for March 22. The event sold out, but will be livestreamed on the organization's YouTube channel.

ASCEND LEADERSHIP

Ascend Leadership

"We're deeply saddened by the news of Atlanta violence and growing number of deliberate attacks against Asians across the nation. We condemn these attacks and stand in solidarity with the Asian American community in Atlanta and across the US to #stopasianhate. #ascendleadership."

"With our resilience and unwavering resolve, we will continue our efforts within our organization and through our 5-Point Action Agenda to promote diversity and inclusion."

— @AscendLeader, Twitter

DELOITTE

Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

"Deloitte stands in solidarity with our Asian American colleagues and communities to combat discrimination and racism. Please be an ally and support our commitment to fight discrimination and racism in all its forms and lead the change we want to see in our society. #StopAAPIHate."

— Joe Ucuzoglu, CEO, Deloitte US

EY US

Stephen Yang/Bloomberg

"I’m sickened by the violent acts across the country targeting our Asian American community. There is no place for violence, bias and microaggressions against the Asian community — or anyone. We all must continue to stand together against these hateful acts. #StopAsianHate."

— Kelly Grier, EY US chair and managing partner

KPMG

The KPMG logo outside its office building in Berlin

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

"Violence against members of the Pan-Asian community has risen since the onset of the pandemic. @KPMG_US does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or racism and condemns all forms of violence and xenophobia. Our firm is a place where all can thrive.

"I am saddened by the shootings that took place in Atlanta last night. The escalating verbal abuse, harassment and other hateful acts against the Asian community are unacceptable. We continue to stand with our colleagues, friends and families in the Pan-Asian community."

— Paul Knopp, chair and CEO, KPMG US

NEW YORK STATE SOCIETY OF CPAs

“Silence against racially motivated crimes is not acceptable nor should be considered the 'safe' way to conduct business. Speaking out for what is right and just is about ethics and integrity. The NYSSCPA strongly condemns the acts of violence against the AAPI communities in Georgia, California, New York and all across the United States.

"Although the odious acts in suburban Atlanta are currently making headline news and are still being investigated, throughout the pandemic, racially motivated hate crimes and harassment against the AAPI community have soared 150 percent to become an almost daily occurrence. There is no moving forward or creating a sense of normalcy until we collectively stand up and decry any and all racist and unjust actions and behavior.

"Racism, xenophobia and narrow-mindedness have no home in the CPA profession nor in this great nation. The NYSSCPA will continue to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives while choosing to fight righteous fights. This fight requires speaking out against hate. I am asking our CPA community to do the same. It will take all of us to help #StopAsianHate.”

— Joanne Barry, CEO and executive director of the New York State Society of CPAs

PWC US

Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

"Yesterday’s shootings in Atlanta are devastating for the victims’ families and our Asian American community. Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, Asian American racism has risen and this violent act increases the fear. We must stand together against hate."

— Tim Ryan, chair and senior partner, PWC US