Addressing Anti-Asian Scapegoating

The spread of COVID-19 has contributed to an escalation of race-based scapegoating throughout the U.S.

Our own college district in February 2020 asked district employees to ward against racial prejudice and discrimination, in a letter to district employees from Chancellor Judy Miner, 28 February 2020:

I join Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County’s health officer, in urging us all to resist discrimination and prejudice. Although the outbreak began in mainland China, people of Asian descent are not more likely to have the virus, Dr. Cody reports... It is important for all of us to stay informed about this situation so we can take care of ourselves and others. Updated information from the Santa Clara County health department is available here...

In May 2020, the district Board of Trustees denounced xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment in a resolution:

...the Board of Trustees of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees denounces xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment; joins local districts, cities, counties, and states across the country in affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of Asian Americans and in combating hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and affirms its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

On 11 February 2021, following a wave of attacks on elderly Asian Americans in big cities in the U.S., De Anza College President Lloyd Holmes assured the campus community in a letter to students and employees:

De Anza College condemns these acts of violence against our community members. And we must not only condemn, but take action as part of the equity work in which the college has long been engaged. 

De Anza has also created a series of short videos, CAN/DID, discussing anti-Asian discrimination and violence:

Resources for Confronting Racism

The following are some resources for learning about anti-Asian acts of aggression and violence, and addressing race-based scapegoating individually and collectively.

Questioning "How-To" Anti-Racism

Report, Intervene, Volunteer

  • Stop AAPI Hate: You can report incidents of aggression, racial profiling, and violence here in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council created this reporting center.
  • Coronavirus Resources to Stand Against Racism: resources for reporting, documenting, and intervening in anti-Asian acts of aggression and violence. Created by Asian Americans Advancing Justice.
  • Guide to Bystander Intervention: Created by HollaBack! Sign up for a free bystander training.
  • Compassion in Oakland: a volunteer service to provide accompaniment for Asian Americans concerned about their public safety in Oakland
  • Japantown Prepared: a volunteer service to provide accompaniment for Asian Americans concerned about their public safety in San Jose

Data Reports on Anti-Asian Aggression

News Sources and Op-Eds

2021:

2020:

Stories of Solidarity and Anti-Asian Aggression

Historical Context for Anti-Asian Scapegoating

Racial Disparities with Pandemic

Re-Thinking and Challenging the Carceral State

Resources for Teaching about Coronavirus Racism

Webinars, Events, Podcasts (Recorded)

Community Organizations

See our list of some San Francisco Bay Area community organizations. 

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