top of page

NAPALSA Statement Against Anti-Asian Racism Amidst COVID-19

​

NAPALSA sends a message of support to its members regarding the rise in bias incidents and hate crimes against Asian Americans. We encourage our members to do what they need to do to prioritize their health. We also ask openly what we can do to support you and your members during this time. Additionally, NAPALSA urges our allies to speak out against discrimination and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.

           

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, bias incidents, harassment, and attacks against Asian Americans have risen dramatically. From coast to coast, incidents are reported ranging from microaggressions to violent attacks – most of which are taking place in supermarkets, one of the most communal places that we meet and share space over our mutual needs as human beings. It is in these places that the APA community is threatened. The economic effects that are felt by many during this pandemic are especially pronounced for Chinese business owners that are experiencing sharp declines given high profile anti-Chinese sentiments due to misplaced fear and animosity.

          

Disrupting bias is not always comfortable, nor is it safe. We encourage individuals to exercise discretion when disrupting this kind of incidents. Simple acts such as a text, reaction, or even an emoji shows that you do not condone discriminatory sentiments. We advocate against the terms “Chinese virus” and “Wuhan virus” to describe the coronavirus and COVID-19. Use of racialized terms do not contribute to efforts to combat the pandemic and cause tangible harm to the APA community.

           

NAPALSA is here for you. Contact president.napalsa@gmail.com if you or your chapter could benefit from national support.

 

Helpful Resources

 

​

Hotlines to Report Hate Crimes Against Asians

Any individual who has been a victim of a hate crime or has witnessed a hate crime should report these incidents to their local police department first. In addition to local police, incidents should be reported to local FBI field office and state attorney general's office.

 

Some states have set up a designated hotline for hate crimes against Asians during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

​

​

Find your FBI field office here. 

 

Sincerely,

      Amanda Pham Haines

      NAPALSA President

bottom of page