Biden Signs COVID 19 Hate Crimes Act

On May 20th President Biden signed the bipartisan COVID 19 Hate Crimes Act. The legislation is an important federal response to the urgent crisis of rising hate crimes against our Asian and Pacific Islander neighbors. However, while the call for increased tracking and reporting is essential, narrowly focusing on law enforcement solutions alone – both for data collection and response – doesn’t address the reality of experiences that prevent many in our communities from reporting incidents to the police.

This new federal legislation comes as we approach the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. The relationship between communities of color and law enforcement must be prioritized when we talk about safety and accountability.

Racism is a violent public health crisis that we need to fight at the individual, community, and systemic levels. We need comprehensive education and public safety solutions that are led by those most impacted by hate and bias. We need local conversations and efforts that engage our neighborhoods, businesses, city governments, nonprofits, schools, and faith communities. Most importantly, we need to invest in community driven solutions that prioritize prevention and resources for the youth, adults, and elders who are being harmed every day here and across the country.

Join us on May 26th to discuss local data gathered by the King County Coalition Against Hate and Bias, with a focus on East King County information, conversations, and action. Please see the Coalition’s statement about the Hate Crimes Act.