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May 1st marked the official kickoff of Asian-American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. While we join with our AAPI colleagues, patients, and families, in celebration of their vibrant culture and vast contributions to our society, we cannot ignore the continued increase in hate-related violence that has been brought upon this community in recent years. The AAPI community has faced institutional racism for years, however this has dramatically increased over the past year during the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, in 2020 the overall hate crime rate decreased by 7%, but at the same time hate crimes focused at AAPI people increased by 149%. Fueled by fear and hateful rhetoric broadcast by some people in positions of great influence, members of this community have faced and continue to face unfathomable threats to their homes, schools, community spaces, places of worship, business, and lives.

The Executive Committee to the ACOP Board of Trustees wants to take this moment during this important time to reiterate our support of the AAPI community and to continue to stand up against the continued hate-based violence that these vital members of our social fabric continue to struggle with on a daily basis.

The ACOP continues to strongly oppose any acts of violence or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, or religion. These continued outbreaks remain a true public health threat and must be treated as such.

For more information on how you can help to support the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community you can visit www.aapi-support.org or www.hateisavirus.org.

Thank you!

The ACOP Board of Trustees