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CAPAC Members Observe AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

May 18, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) observed the fifth annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate. This date falls on the birthday of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man who was brutally murdered in 1982 in a hate crime. His death ignited a national outcry, sparking a historic Asian American civil rights movement and multiracial coalition that persists today. On April 26, 2023, the Vincent Chin Institute was launched.

CAPAC Members released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“As we recognize what would have been the 68th birthday of Vincent Chin, CAPAC stands with organizations across the nation today to observe the fifth annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. Unfortunately, the anti-Asian xenophobia, racism, and hate that led to Vincent’s tragic murder over forty years ago still threatens us today, with near-daily attacks on Asian Americans. For over three years, racial slurs and scapegoating of Asian Americans as responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic fueled the over 11,500 reported anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents against our parents, children, and elders. Further, at this moment of increased attention to the U.S.-China relationship, we must remain vigilant that rhetoric and policies aimed at addressing U.S. national security or economic competition with the People’s Republic of China do not further inflame xenophobia and physical attacks against Asian Americans. Further, we must also stand up unequivocally for our Pacific Islander communities, who have long been wrongfully stereotyped as violent and unlawful, and experience disproportionate profiling and police brutality.  That is why as we commemorate this National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we must recommit ourselves to combatting bigotry and supporting one other in difficult moments—because our mutual care and power is our strength.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Today marks the fifth annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) National Day Against Bullying and Hate. On what would have been the 68th birthday of Vincent Chin, it is heartbreaking that we continue hearing stories of AANHPI children and adults being bullied, ostracized, attacked, and even murdered simply for being who they are. I am committed today and every day to stand up to bullying, hate, discrimination, and violence against the AANHPI community.  I am grateful for the unity and solidarity of all those within the AANHPI community as well as our allies across other underrepresented communities who stand with us.”

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate is our chance to call attention to the pain experienced by AAPIs across the country and to commit to speaking out against violence and discrimination when we see it. No one – no one – should ever fall victim to any kind of racism or xenophobia. We cannot tolerate bullying and hate.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted W. Lieu (CA-36):

“On AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we honor the life and memory of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man who was brutally murdered in an act of racial hatred in 1982. Today, members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community face rising levels of xenophobia and bigotry, and studies show one-half of all AANHPI students report bias-based harassment during the school year. These troubling patterns are unacceptable. My CAPAC colleagues and I stand united to build an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and brings an end to all forms of racism, violence, and hatred.”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“From school hallways and sports fields to playgrounds and public transportation, too many of our children are threatened by bullying, racism, hatred, and violence. National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate reminds us to take a moment to reflect on others’ experiences, pursue empathy and acceptance, promote civility, and stand-up against xenophobia, perpetual foreignness, and all forms of bigotry. Together we can show that there’s a better way and a brighter future for our kids, one where all people feel included, safe, and valued across New Jersey and our country.”

Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

“Xenophobia has no place in this country. On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we continue to rise, embrace, and protect our culture and community.”

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ):

“On AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we stand united against discrimination and violence targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. It is a reminder that we must confront hate and bigotry head-on and reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality for all. Let us use this day as a call to action, to amplify AAPI voices, and to foster a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44):

“Today, we observe the National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, a day to honor the life of Vincent Chin, whose life was tragically cut short by a hate crime in 1982. His murder reminds us of the persistent hate that continues to impact the AAPI community today and their resiliency in standing against this bigotry. As we reflect on the current anti-Asian sentiment, we must continue to condemn xenophobia and racism in AAPI communities against all forms of violence.”

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):

“Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community members should not have to live in fear that they will be the targets of hate or violence because of how they look. Unfortunately this fear exists for many, and it’s been reinforced by horrific acts of anti-AANHPI racism across our country. Investigators are continuing to look at motives in the Allen, Texas mass shooting, but there is evidence that the shooter might have chosen the location because of its predominant AANHPI community. Recently an Indiana college student was stabbed because, according to her assailant, she is ‘Chinese.’ In Congress, my CAPAC colleague, Congresswoman Chu, had her loyalty questioned by a fellow member of the House. On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we must unequivocally denounce xenophobic attacks and bigotry and work together to build an inclusive and multicultural society where all are welcome and free from discrimination.”

Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):

“As we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, we must also acknowledge the dangerous rise of anti-Asian hate since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m proud to stand with my CAPAC colleagues as we commemorate the fifth AAPI National Day Against Bullying and Hate. Let’s redouble our commitment to fighting xenophobia, discrimination, and racism, starting in our own communities.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“Today, I’m proud to join my CAPAC colleagues in recognizing National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. Bullying and harassment have no place in our society, and I have long championed efforts to combat bullying. That is why I introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would require schools to prohibit bullying and harassment in their codes of conduct. It’s also true that minorities face discrimination at higher rates, including AAPI students. Let’s keep working to stop bullying and ensure all children can feel safe in the classroom and beyond.”