Dear APTA Pediatrics members,
The increasing incidents of violence and hate crimes against Asians/Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) or the pan-Asian community have been both disturbing and appalling. The Stop AAPI Hate advocacy group has recorded Asian-American hate incidents and discrimination, of which there have been a reported 3,795 cases this past year,1 and reports of Anti-Asian sentiment have increased by 1,900%.2 The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and APTA Pediatrics condemn any such behavior (violence, bigotry, racism) directed toward any person based on their color, race, or gender. These events send a profound message to the community that the continued fight for equity and belonging is not over. We must stand as one people and face these ongoing adversities. Our committee charges everyone to take part in preventing hate crimes in your community by getting involved to create a safe and inclusive community. Listed below are resources and suggestions for involvement to help those you know who may be impacted by acts of racism.
In Solidarity,
APTA Pediatrics DEI Committee
Ways to help out:3
- Check in with the people you know in the AAPI community.
- Spread awareness on social media: Speak out against acts of racism, including online harassment, and stand in solidarity with the AAPI community. If you do not know what to say, consider reposting/sharing the work of AAPI activists. Please use the following hashtags that are currently being used by the AAPI activist community: #StopAsianHate, #TheyCantBurnUsAll, #ProtectAsianLives, #Racismisavirus, and #AsiansAreHuman.
- Report hate crimes witnessed or experienced to the Stop AAPI Hate Reporting Center and/or your local reporting center.
- Bring awareness of anti-Asian harassment without being anti-Black: While some of the incidents against the AAPI community have involved other people of color, it is not a time to pit one community against another. Instead, educate yourself and others about the policies, stereotypes, and histories that have increased white supremacist ideals against the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
- Donate to community organizations that are advocating for these communities.
- Support local Asian-owned businesses with compassion.
- Speak up against racism and harassment when you see it.
Resources
Education Resources:
Allyship actions:
Reporting Resources:
Other Resources:
Save Chinatown Initiatives:
Other Area-Specific Resources
References
1 210312-Stop-AAPI-Hate-National-Report-.pdf (secureservercdn.net)
2 The U.S. Is Seeing a Massive Spike in Anti-Asian Hate Crimes (thecut.com)
3 Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Are On The Rise Due To COVID-19. Here’s How To Help. | HuffPost
