We condemn the increasing hate speech and attacks against those of Asian heritage here in the U.S., most recently the horrifying murders of eight people, six of them women of Asian descent, in Atlanta this past week. We denounce all forms of hate, bigotry and violence directed at any person based on race or gender.  We know that especially for our international students and faculty, and particularly those from Asian and Asian-American backgrounds, these recent events are a source of pain and distress. As co-chairs we want to do everything we can to help make the physics department a safe and welcoming place for all people of good intent who work in, study in and visit our community.