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CAPAC Members Observe Third Annual AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

May 18, 2021

Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) observed the third annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate. This date coincides with the birthday of Vincent Chin, who was brutally murdered in 1982 in a hate crime. Chin’s death sparked national outrage and led to the pan-ethnic AAPI movement that exists today. CAPAC Members released the following statements:

CAPAC Leadership

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“As we mark what would have been the 66th birthday of Vincent Chin, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus stands with organizations across the nation to observe the third annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. Unfortunately, the same racism and xenophobia that led to Vincent Chin’s horrific murder nearly four decades ago has become commonplace in our society today as innocent Asian Americans across the nation are being blamed for the coronavirus pandemic and targeted with racial slurs and violent attacks. In fact, there have been over 6,600 anti-Asian hate incidents reported within the last year alone, and a recent report from Act to Change found that 80% of Asian Americans experienced either online or in-person bullying this year. This is unacceptable. AAPI children, parents, and elders should not have to worry about being the victims of bullying or hate crimes simply because of the way they look. That’s why, as we commemorate this National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, I am so proud that Congress will be voting to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to address this surge in anti-Asian hate crimes. Xenophobia and hate have no place in our country. It’s incumbent on all of us to speak out against bigotry and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and understanding society.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, I am committed today and every day to stopping this disturbing and troubling trend. During COVID-19 we have witnessed unspeakable acts of violence – even death – against our community. It breaks my heart to see such hateful incidents. But I believe this moment in American history has planted new seeds of friendship and allyship. Today, the AAPI community is joined by those from the Black, Latinx, Native American, LGBTQ, and other communities in our shared commitment to ending the violence and hate against us. I am encouraged by this and believe better days are ahead. Let us go forward in solidarity within our community and lock arms with other communities. Step-by-step we will build a more perfect union.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

“Today I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in recognizing AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. Over the last year, we have seen a rise in hate crimes and ignorance targeting the AAPI community. This week, Congress is taking action by passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, to ensure that the perpetrators of anti-Asian hate crimes are held accountable. As children go back to school, leaders must set a good example and promote acceptance and understanding. We cannot tolerate bullying and hate.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip

“On the second National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, I join with my AAPI colleagues, constituents, and allies to say enough is enough: we must end bigotry, discrimination, and hate against Asian Americans. America’s strength comes from its diversity, and Asian Americans deserve to live, work, and walk down the street with safety and security. While I stand firmly behind National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate’s mission to end hate, I am saddened that this day of action must exist in the first place. I will continue to raise awareness of — and find solutions to — anti-AAPI violence by elevating justice, accountability, and tolerance in Congress.”

CAPAC Executive Board Members

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“The AAPI community is united in confronting the surge of racism during the pandemic. Like the wave of activism that followed Vincent Chin’s murder nearly 40 years ago, our community is marching, speaking out, and demanding action. AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate reminds us of the sustained focus we must have on the work ahead to confront discrimination and hate to create a future that is more just and equitable for all.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

Over the past 14 months, our Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors have been harassed, bullied, and killed at unprecedented rates nationwide. With over 3,000 reported incidents of anti-Asian hate since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and likely many more unreported attacks, the xenophobia and racism that we’ve all seen online and in person are nothing short of appalling. It’s critical that we step up, intervene, and help end this bullying and hatred towards AAPI communities.”

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“This year’s AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate comes at a critical moment for the AAPI community. We’ve endured story after story of AAPI targeted with words and violence simply because of who they are and how they look. My family and I have seen this first hand, and I know our stories are representative of thousands across the country. While it is important to look back and reflect on this rise in hate, it’s just as important to look forward. Today, we’ll pass a landmark bill to address hate crimes against the AAPI community and tomorrow we’ll pass a resolution remembering those lost in Atlanta. I hope that our actions this week and our words today don’t fade away with time, but are strengthened to ensure we build an America that is truly inclusive and safe for all of us in the AAPI community.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

“For far too long, members of the AAPI community have faced racism, discrimination, and hate. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, putting the lives of our community members and elders at risk. Today, on National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity against hatred in all forms, including anti-AAPI bullying and violence.”

CAPAC Associate Board Members

Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32):

“North Texas’ diverse Asian-American community has helped shape our region and is a central part of what makes it so great. Bullying, discrimination and hate of any kind against our Asian-American neighbors is unacceptable and we must all do our part to end it. I’m proud to stand with my CAPAC colleagues today and I will always work to make sure every one in North Texas feels safe.”

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):

“The recent spike in violence, bias, and hate crimes against members of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities is heartbreaking and infuriating. I condemn these horrific acts. Today we stand together to say in the strongest terms that these acts of violence and hate have no place in our country and must stop. I support the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and resolution to combat violence and hate against the AAPI community and will continue working to end racism and violence against our AAPI friends, neighbors, and colleagues. By supporting each other and working together we can create a better, equitable, and more inclusive future.”

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“In the wake of this pandemic, there has been a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate in the United States. This wave of discrimination has brought violence, trauma, and fear to the AAPI community, but Congress is taking action. Whether it’s passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, passing the resolution to condemn the horrific shootings in Atlanta, or advocating for the inclusion of AAPI leaders in the White House, I will always fight to end bullying and hate against the AAPI community.”

Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04):

“Today, on AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, I’m proud to stand alongside my CAPAC colleagues to reaffirm that hate has no place in our country. Over the last year, we have witnessed an alarming rise in anti-Asian American hate crimes and violence, with nearly 1 in 3 AAPIs experiencing some kind of abuse during the pandemic. On this day of recognition, we must continue to speak out against these injustices wherever they occur and work to make our society more inclusive, kind, and compassionate for all Americans.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12):

“Today we commemorate AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, which is especially relevant as we have experienced an immense increase of violent and hateful attacks against our Asian American neighbors and friends over the last year. We must redouble our efforts against the bigotry that Asian Americans have experienced because of misinformation and xenophobia that wrongly blamed them for the COVID-19 pandemic. I am encouraged by the Senate’s overwhelmingly bipartisan vote to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act last month and will be voting for it when it comes to the House floor as a cosponsor of the legislation. I thank Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Meng for their leadership on this legislation and commend the advocacy of the AAPI community and allies across the country for making it clear we will not abide racism and bigotry. Hate has no place in our country.”

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45):

“I'm deeply disturbed by the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans during the pandemic. It's on all of us to combat bigotry, which starts with teaching our kids that hate has no place here. In Orange County, we are fortunate to be enriched by a thriving Asian American community. I'm proud to stand in solidarity with our AAPI friends and neighbors, as well as my CAPAC colleagues, to recognize AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.