Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities Condemn Violence and Racial Bias During Pandemic

 [WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 19, 2021] The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened public concerns and fears nationwide, leading to a rise in acts of hatred, bias, discrimination, and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials have documented this rise in bias, including an NYPD report citing a 1,900 percent increase in hate crimes as a direct result of anti-AAPI sentiments. 

An Ipsos survey conducted for the Center for Public Integrity last April indicated that one-third of respondents witnessed someone blaming Asians for the coronavirus epidemic. Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) captured several detailed stories about AAPIs who witnessed, endured, or were told about incidents of violence, hatred, bias, and discrimination on its website www.standagainsthatred.org. The Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council (A3PCON) and Chinese For Affirmative Action (CAA), through their website, “Stop AAPI Hate,” recorded more than 2,800 incidents of anti-AAPI bias from March 2020 to December 31, 2020. 

National ACE and APIA Scholars jointly condemn the rise in anti-AAPI bias, violence and hatred. National ACE and APIA Scholars seek the support, allyship, and advocacy of other national and regional organizations to address all forms of bias and racism that disproportionately and negatively impact diverse communities.

Please find the full resolution and press release here. We must work together to fight this rise in anti-AAPI bias and violence.