Updated on March 21, 2021.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the coronavirus has had a disparate impact on populations of color. Today, we want to reiterate our condemnation of the violence that has targeted Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in King County and around the country, most recently in Atlanta. Recent attacks are not new and are the result of long-standing anti-Asian racism. Ethnicity is not a virus.  The coronavirus does not recognize race, age, gender or social status. 

We strongly denounce these racist attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander people, who add to our region’s rich diversity, culture and success. Racism is always hurtful and sometimes kills. We stand firmly in solidarity with people from all Asian and Pacific Island cultures. 

We urge everyone to cease blaming a culture or country for a virus that has killed more than a half-million people of all races and ethnicities in the U.S.

The COVID-19 crisis has unleashed xenophobic and misogynistic acts of intolerance against Asian and Pacific Islander people. We forcefully reject these horrendous attacks – the violence must end.

Let’s all come together in unity, look out for each other and stand up against the racist injustices perpetrated against Asian and Pacific Islander people. 

Stay safe, stay well and remain hopeful for a bright future.