The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has coincided with a dramatic rise in racist anti-Asian hate incidents. The incidents have occurred across the country and have ranged from outright violent attacks to various forms of verbal harassment and discriminatory exclusion. Anecdotal information shows that incidents have occurred throughout the Puget Sound area as well, including in Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton, Seattle, and Tacoma.
Police and governmental officials in Seattle, Bellevue, and other localities encourage individuals experiencing or witnessing incidents to report all hate crimes, including verbal harassment, so that an accurate picture of anti-Asian hate activity can be created. Call 911 right away in order to report an immediate threat or an ongoing incident. Incidents that occurred in the recent past can be reported online or by phone.
In addition to reporting incidents to law enforcement, the JACL has gathered a list of resources for families to access for support:
· Reporting verbal harassment, discrimination, or hate crimes, call Seattle Office for Civil Rights at (206) 223-7100 or file a complaint online.
· Also submit a report online to the Coronavirus Anti-AAPI Racism Incident Report to help build a national response. Responses can be anonymous, and reports can be made in English or in 11 different Asian languages.
JACL requests that school districts post these resources in a prominent and accessible location on their websites for families, staff and students to refer to if needed.
Questions can also be directed to the Seattle Chapter JACL: [email protected]
--Sent on behalf of Seattle Chapter Japanese American Citizens League by Dr. Kyle Kinoshita, JACL Board Member