OCA Greater Seattle statement on passage of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
OCA-Asian Pacific Advocates of Greater Seattle are proud of the work by Representatives Grace Meng and Senator Mazie Hirono, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and many others, in advocating for the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Notably, the act passed by Congress occurred on what would have been the 66th birthday of Vincent Chin, who was brutally murdered in 1982 because of xenophobia and anti-Asian hatred. His death galvanized the Asian American and Pacific Islander American community and led to greater awareness about hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
It is appropriate for President Joseph Biden to sign this Act during the month of May, designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage month, to honor the heritage and contributions of our APIA communities.
While we cannot simply eliminate hate by a stroke of the pen, this bill is simply a piece of the larger puzzle in combating hate. There is still work to be done on the national and state levels, where Washington State has the second-highest number of hate crimes per capita in the country. We must always call hate out when we see it and advocate for holistic policies that create a more equitable society.
More information:
“Local community activists praise new bill that aims to halt bias crimes toward Asians” — KOMO News
“Bothell police release surveillance video in John Huynh murder investigation” — King5 News
“Facing Race: Washington sees a surge in Asian activism” — King5 News
