MNAPABA Statement on Anti-Asian Racism

MNAPABA condemns all forms of racism, violence and scapegoating against our brothers and sisters in the Asian community.

According to a study by the Asian American Bar Association of New York and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, “there were more than 2,500 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents related to COVID-19 between March and September 2020” in the United States. “And this number understates the actual number of anti-Asian hate incidents because most incidents are not reported,” according to the study.

This recent increase in acts of harassment and violence against Asians has been prompted by hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric playing on unfounded fears and stereotypes linking the global pandemic to the Asian community. President Biden has already issued a “Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States” denouncing these actions. 

MNAPABA calls on Minnesota public officials, businesses, and those persons who hold leadership positions in this State to join the chorus of voices denouncing the growing tide of anti-Asian sentiments and rhetoric.