Announcing Support for Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

Since the beginning of the pandemic a year ago, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have been the victims of violence and hate crimes at a significantly higher rate than in previous years. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been unfairly blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic due to misinformation, xenophobia,and ignorance. 
 
May Institute's Diversity and Inclusion Council condemns all anti-Asian hate and stands in solidarity with members of the AAPI community. Acts of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are not tolerated in our workplace, nor in our communities. We encourage you, too, to stand in solidarity with the AAPI community. 
 
Anti-Asian hate is increasing across the country, particularly in major cities. DiversityInc reports that nationwide, documented attacks on members of the AAPI community increased by nearly 150% in 2020 over the previous year. In New York City alone, hate crimes against the community increased by 1,900% in 2020. STOP AAPI HATE, created at the beginning of the pandemic in response to this, received more than 2,800 reports of anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020 alone. These disturbing and unacceptable acts continue into 2021. 
 
Racism targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders likely started in the 19th century when thousands of Chinese workers were brought to the United States as laborers. They worked in various industries such as mining and construction, and mainly on the transcontinental railroads. These railroads played a significant role in the development of our nation by transporting passengers and goods across the country. For more on the centuries-long and complex history of the AAPI community in the United States, click on the following links: 

• The Long History of Racism Against Asian Americans in the U.S. from “Yellow Peril” to “Model Minority” to “Chinese Virus”: http://bit.ly/38tCfKT  
• How the Model Minority Myth of Asian Americans Hurts us All: http://bit.ly/2Otuaii 
• Anti-racism Resources to Support Asian American, Pacific Islander Community: http://nbcnews.to/38uyhS8  

 Visit STOP AAPI HATE to learn more about its work and to access resources.