WASHINGTON, DC – Discrimination and hatred against Asian Americans, which have increased since the coronavirus pandemic began, was a topic of discussion on Capitol Hill Thursday.
Asian-American civil rights groups gave lawmakers an emotional and personal testimony.
Manjusha Kulkarni of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council said comments like “go back to Wuhan and take the virus with you” have become all too common.
The groups condemned the anti-Asian rhetoric that former President Trump publicly used.
“We are still seen as the others. To be untrustworthy and to be feared, “said John Yang of Asian Americans Advancing Justice.
In the past year, 3,800 incidents of hatred against Asian Americans were reported – mostly women.
That’s according to the nonprofit group Stop AAPI Hate.
It’s an alarming reality highlighted this week by the Georgia spas shootouts that killed six Asian Americans and two whites.
Investigators have not yet released details of any motive in the shootings.
“What started as dirty looks and verbal assaults last January has led to physical assault and violence against Asian Americans,” said Judy Chu, California MP.
This week New York Congresswoman Grace Meng presented a resolution in the House of Representatives to denounce racism against Asian Americans.
“Misinformation and racism have traumatized Asian Americans and made them fear for their lives,” she said.
The resolution also calls for investigations into coronavirus-related hate crimes.
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