The chair of the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, David Chiu (D-San Francisco), issued a statement yesterday condemning the rise in violence and discriminatory behavior against Asian Americans in California.
“California is the most diverse state in the nation and is a state of
immigrants. We value the contributions of all of our immigrant
communities, including one of our oldest immigrant communities-Chinese
Americans. In past weeks, we have seen an increase in discrimination
and racist attacks against this community. This is unacceptable.
Fears of the coronavirus have led to harassment of Chinese Americans
and other Asian Americans and harmed Asian-owned businesses. An Asian
American student in California was physically assaulted because of
this perceived threat and a school district has issued a warning
against bullying based on the disease. This is a public health issue
and it is reprehensible to blame the victim populations of this
infectious disease.
Additionally, a national television network recently aired a segment
that blames Chinese people for dozens of issues. One allegation was
made that a Chinese American California state employee is using his
position to benefit the Chinese military. This is dangerous and
divisive rhetoric. This attempt to make Chinese Americans feel like
perpetual foreigners in our own country is misguided and racist.
These actions are contrary to California’s promise to immigrant
communities. My colleagues and I in Sacramento are committed to
championing bills to protect immigrant communities against xenophobic
policies and actions. California stands for justice, equity and
opportunity. All Californians should be treated with dignity and have
access to safety. We stand united against these discriminatory actions
and with our immigrant communities who have helped our state thrive
and become the fifth largest economy in the world.”