Statement by IWBI in response to the recent deaths of Asians in Atlanta and the increased attacks on Asians during the pandemic
Hate has no place in our society.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an alarming surge of harassment, discrimination and attacks against Asians in America, too often accompanied by political demagoguery that has fanned the flames of hate. The data is disturbing — showing nearly 3,800 firsthand reports of violence, discrimination and harassment against Asian Americans since March of last year – including more than 500 incidents in just the first two months of 2021.
But these aren’t just statistics. These are our friends, our neighbors and our colleagues.
Hate has no place in our society. Yet we continue to witness the horrific consequences of bigotry, racism and gender-based violence. We are heartbroken by the tragic shooting in Georgia of members of the Asian community. We mourn their deaths and stand solidly and protectively with their loved ones, their community, and all our Asian-American and Pacific Islander friends. We will continue to lead across our own organization, taking action to denounce anti-Asian discrimination and violence, encouraging open dialogue among our staff, and supporting leading organizations investing in long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence and hate in our communities.
In this time of crisis, we remain resolute in our fundamental commitment to justice, equity, inclusion and diversity. These are the foundational pillars of a healthy and just society and they will continue to be the most powerful tools we have to end hatred and intolerance everywhere we find it. We intend to use them.
March 19, 2021
