Braintree Schools Condemn Anti-Asian Violence After GA Shootings

BRAINTREE, MA — School officials in Braintree are showing their support for the town's Asian-American community following a shooting rampage in Georgia that left eight people dead, six of whom were women of Asian descent.

According to authorities, a gunman opened fire at three massage parlors across the metro Atlanta area last Tuesday. Cherokee County Sheriff's Capt. Jay Baker said the gunman admitted to the killings and blamed the massage parlors for fueling his sex addiction.

Read More: Metro Atlanta Massage Parlor Shootings (5 Things To Know)

Although many of the victims were of Asian descent, officials have said it's too early in the investigation to know if the shootings were "racially motivated." However, many advocates say the shootings coincide with a reported rise in anti-Asian violence since the coronavirus pandemic began.

"Hatred, racism, and bigotry have no place anywhere and no place in our community,"read a statement from the Braintree Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee. "We stand in solidarity with Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities against racism, hate, bigotry, and xenophobia. Our schools and our community are stronger when we support and celebrate a diversity of people, thoughts, and ideas."

Following the shootings, the committee wants input from the community to ensure a safe learning environments for all students. Anyone with comments or questions can reach out to Jim Lee at jim.lee@braintreeschools.org or Cynthia Gonsalves at cynthia.gonsalves@braintreeschools.org.

"The Braintree Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Steering Committee and each school-based DEI committee are committed to ensuring that our schools remain a safe learning environment for all our students and their families, as well as our faculty and staff," the committee said in a statement. "Through education and empathy, we are dedicated to eradicating the name-calling, intimidation, and hate affecting any students or their families, regardless of the race, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality of those being accosted."

School officials said student in need of additional support is encouraged to reach out to their guidance counselor or school psychologist.