Students at Indiana University are protesting anti-Asian violence in Bloomington.
An 18-year-old student was stabbed aboard a city bus on Wednesday, according to Bloomington Police.
According to investigators, she was a race-based target.
"In addition to being an IU student, I am also the son of immigrants. I recognise your suffering. Not by yourself, "William Legato, a sophomore at IU, wrote to the victim's family.
Legato and other students gathered at the Asian Culture Center Friday to support one another, speak to university administration and write letters to the victim.
"We're all there for you when you're hurt. No matter if there is blood or not, your child is our sibling, cousin, or whatever. Spiritually, we fit into the structure of the community, "said Legato.
The 56-year-old suspect, Billie Davis, admitted to stabbing the boy several times in the head with a folding knife so that "one less person would blow up our country," according to Davis.
Audrey Lee and Tvisha Chatterjea, who both identify as "townies" and are seniors at IU, said they have lived with anti-Asian prejudice their entire lives.
Growing up, my parents urged me to keep my head down and not get involved in any problems, Lee recalled.
Just flee, said Chatterjea.
"True, exactly. They will have more incentive to dehumanise us if we keep eluding them and avoiding them, which will make it simpler for them to carry out these acts of anti-Asian violence "Lee uttered.
Inquiries about the most recent violence were made to the institution by WRTV. We fully stand with you, stated a spokeswoman, to our friends, coworkers, students, and neighbours who are Asian and Asian Americans.
