Announcements

Dear Members,

Since the beginning of this pandemic Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have been threatened not only by the COVID-19 virus, but also hatred, racism and xenophobia. Verbal and physical attacks on people of Asian descent have been on the rise with accusations for creating the pandemic and spreading this virus. Asian business owners have been threatened with violence or have been the victims of violence. Some patients have refused medical care from Asian practitioners, who have had to endure a barrage of anti-Asian sentiments and verbal abuse from patients. Some Asian American physicians have received death threats. Politicians and the media using terms such as “the Chinese virus" and “Kung Flu” do not help our community in any way. This is unacceptable.

The number of reported anti-Asian Pacific American harassment in New York City has increased sevenfold, but underreporting is still an issue. Reporting hate crimes is important to help officials understand the magnitude of the issue and make effective changes to better address the problem.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate crime or witnessed what you believe to be a hate crime call 911 or report it to your local police precinct. Submitting reports to your regional FBI office and State Attorney General’s office is also encouraged.

Hate Crimes can also be reported to community organizations that are keeping records on hate crimes against Asian Pacific Americans.

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice records hate crimes and hate/bias incidents in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

• Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council (A3PCON) records hate crimes and hate/bias incidents in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Punjabi, Tagalog, Hmong, and Hindi.

• OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates records hate crimes and hate/bias incidents in English.

New York City

If you have been the victim of harassment or discrimination in housing, work or in a public place based on your race, national origin, age, immigration status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected classes under the NYC Human Rights Law Call 311 and say “human rights”. You can also call the New York City Commission on Human Rights directly at (212) 416-0197 or you can submit a report online

The NYC Commission on Human Rights also has COVID-19 related resources for hate and bias related incidents related to COVID-19: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/stophate/news/covid19.page

CAMS condemns these Anti-Asian attacks. We cannot stay silent on this issue, and we must all work together if we want to overcome racism.

Sincerely,

Yick Moon Lee, MD

President

Download the Full Letter Here