Recent Events and the History of Racism Toward Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)

In light of the rise in attacks and hate crimes against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, we stand in solidarity with AAPI communities to condemn anti-Asian racism and violence in all its forms. We mourn the eight people, including the six women of Asian descent, who were murdered in a mass shooting in Atlanta last week. We acknowledge that these latest incidents of violence against AAPI people, including recent attacks in the Bay Area, have deep roots in this country’s history of systemic anti-Asian racism. The xenophobic rhetoric of the past year attacking and blaming people of Asian ancestry for the COVID-19 pandemic must also be called out and denounced. As we have said before, statements are important, but actions are critical. At the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, we are committed to anti-racism and racial justice and we recognize that this commitment must include work to fight against anti-Asian racism.