OCA APPALLED AT ANTI-ASIAN DISCRIMINATION CASES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACTION

8 February 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Eiley Fong | Communications Associate
202.223.5500 | eiley.fong@ocantional.org

Washington, DC - OCA𑁋Asian Pacific American Advocates is absolutely appalled at the persistent rise in Anti-Asian discrimination and hate crimes that have transpired over the past few weeks. On the heels of President Biden’s Memorandum condemning racism, xenophobia, and intolerance towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), numerous attacks on Asian Americans continued unabated.

Two weeks ago, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanpakdee was murdered in San Francisco after being pushed to the ground. Less than one week later, a 91-year-old man was shoved to the ground in Oakland, CA Chinatown. It was alleged that the perpetrator was also linked to two other violent incidents. Just last week, a 64-year-old grandmother was assaulted in San Jose. And the following day (Thursday), a 61-year-old man was slashed across the face on a subway in New York City where it was reported that no one came to his aid following the attack. These are just the few cases that have been reported solely by local media sources. Fear and distrust in law enforcement, due to their lack of response, cause victims of hate incidents to stay quiet, resulting in major underreporting of anti-Asian hate.

“In addition to recognizing the hurt that the government may have perpetuated, quick action must be taken to address the ways our communities continue to be the victims of discrimination and hate crimes, particularly related to COVID-19” remarks Linda Ng, National President of OCA. “These executive orders only provide a loose framework which scrape the surface of resolving these deeply-rooted issues of xenophobia, hateful language, and direct attacks. We are waiting for the immediate establishment of these efforts in the Attorney General’s office. The time for action is now, and OCA, along with our partners, are ready to organize and engage.”

If you, your family members, someone you know, or community members have experienced xenophobia, discrimination, or harassment [in light of COVID-19], please report the incident using our hate crime reporting tool at aapihatecrimes.org.

OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national civil rights organization dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

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