AAUW Long Beach Branch Statement on
Violence Against AAPIs
From Branch Board of Directors and Diversity & Inclusion Committee
March 25, 2021
AAUW Long Beach strongly condemns acts of xenophobic hate and violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. As an organization that fights for social justice and equity, we cannot ignore the rising tide of violence against AAPI individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic which has largely been overlooked until recent headlines.
We join in collective grief, sadness and loss over the most recent tragedy in Georgia, the mass shootings of March 17, 2021. The fact that six of the eight who were killed were women of Asian descent requires that the intersection of race and gender be called out in these vile, targeted acts. Gendered racism is perpetuated due to the prevalence of stereotypes, perceptions and images of AAPI women which has resulted in a long history of misogyny and violence directed specifically at Asian women by men of all races.
The harassment, discrimination and violence against AAPI individuals has been well-documented. In the past year alone, there has been a significant increase in the number of hate crimes against AAPIs as documented by STOP AAPI Hate. Sadly, California leads the nation in the number of hate crimes against AAPIs, and women reported more than twice as many incidents as men.
We acknowledge the current reality of systemic racism and anti-Asian violence and vow to ensure that our organization is a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
We will continue to educate members about bias and promote awareness of anti-Asian discrimination, racism, and violence against Asian Americans.
We must hold each other accountable and intervene, whenever possible, when we observe acts of discrimination and racism against Asian Americans.
We call upon our legislators to take action against racism, harassment and discrimination.
We call for full prosecution of hate crimes.
We call for the recognition of the intersectionality of race and gender in the Atlanta murders.
We affirm that we are all partners in this together. Progress in social justice must include partnerships with other communities of color and the white community to advocate for actions, solutions, and healing.