PPGNY Stands with Asian American Communities

In New York and across the United States, COVID-19 related anti-Asian American discrimination, hate, and xenophobia, particularly against those presenting as East Asian, is on the rise.

People of Asian heritage nationwide are experiencing escalating incidents of racism and discrimination related to COVID-19. This includes violent attacks, shunning of their businesses, and racist and xenophobic portrayal of COVID-19 as a “Chinese virus” by the media and politicians. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York strongly denounces anti-Asian racism and stands with Asian communities in New York and beyond.

This racism is part of a longer historical pattern, legitimized in xenophobic laws and institutions, of stigmatizing Asian Americans as “perpetual foreigners” who do not belong in America. Similarly, anti-Asian bias in this moment continues a history of scapegoating communities of color during public health crises, while ignoring a legacy of systemic racism, which is intrinsic to the American experience, a continuing reality for communities of color, and a tragic force behind the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on these communities.

We are New Yorkers, and we value and honor the rich diversity of our communities. We refuse to allow the anxiety and fear of this moment to divide us and pit us against one another. We also call on policy makers, the media, and our community to take steps to stop and condemn racist behavior, and to ensure the health and safety of all of us. We recognize that the road to dismantling systemic racism is long, and we remain committed to challenging anti-Asian discrimination and other forms of bias during COVID-19 and beyond.

If you have witnessed or experienced any COVID-19 based discrimination or hate crime, please report it.
If you are in NYC, file a discrimination complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 or (718) 722-3131.
If you are in NYC and/or NYS, please contact the New York Attorney General's office through their hotline at 1-800-711-7755, or email [email protected]

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