Addressing Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans

March 18, 2021

There has been a rapid increase in hate crimes targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. AAPI Hate, a reporting center that started tracking these incidents last March, said they have received  3,795 reports of hate crimes over the past year. 

 
Although these incidents have spiked during the pandemic, it is important to remember that this is not a new problem. Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have faced xenophobia, discrimination, and prejudice throughout American history. The only way we will defeat white supremacy is if we listen to the concerns of marginalized groups and educate ourselves on the struggles of others.

If you experience, witness, or hear of a hate crime, please report it to a local police department (where the crime occurred or where the victim lives). Furthermore, Connecticut law authorizes any person injured by a hate crime to bring a civil lawsuit against the person who committed the act/crime. For more information on the penalties for hate crimes in Connecticut, please click here.
 
I stand in solidarity with the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander community and call for an end to this senseless violence and discrimination.
 
If you are interested in learning more, check out the following resources.