Hayward City Council condemns racism, violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

HAYWARD, Calif., March 25, 2020—The Hayward City Council adopted unanimously on Tuesday a resolution denouncing racism, xenophobia and violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander people and communities.

The resolution denounces the stigmatization, racism, xenophobia and violence perpetrated against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond and reaffirms the City’s commitment to racial equity and providing a safe environment for all Hayward community members.

The resolution notes that rising fear and rampant hate-filled political rhetoric during the pandemic has provoked an increase in violence, harassment and acts of racism against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people and communities.

The Stop AAPI Hate reporting center documented 2,808 incidents of discrimination in 2020, over 700 of which occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area.  In the last several months, reports and video recordings have surfaced showing appalling acts of assault, theft, and gun violence committed against AAPI community members, resulting in serious injury or death.

The resolution responds to calls for support and solidarity from AAPI communities nationwide, including members of the AAPI communities comprising nearly 30 percent of the City of Hayward population; affirms the City’s dedication to providing safety and equity to our communities of color; and condemns these heinous attacks on AAPI people here and anywhere.