Agenda Item 4d_Stop Asian Hate Proclamation — original pdf

Backup

RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life Commission was created in 2014 to represent the growing Asian and Pacific Islander Community and provide on-going guidance and support for the City of Austin’s Asian American Quality of Life initiatives; and WHEREAS, Austin residents who trace their ancestry to Asia and the Pacific Islands have contributed much to the City with talents and hard work adding to the cultural fabric of our society; and is the fastest growing demographic group, the City of Austin's population; and, WHEREAS, Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported and unreported acts of discrimination, violence, and hate crimes committed against Asians Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States; and WHEREAS, for too long, violence affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been overlooked or even dismissed. Barriers, such as language or cultural differences, distrust of police, or fear of repercussions, has created reluctance in reporting hate crimes within our communities; and WHEREAS, During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month we celebrate Austin’s AAPI communities by honoring the many contributions they’ve made over the years to our city’s culture and economy; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, recommends that The City of Austin affirm its commitment to the safety of its Asian American community and that we are committed to ending the spread of all forms of hate and bigotry; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Austin, as a welcoming city, denounces hate against Asian Americans and all communities of color and understands that we must work together to fight against it; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Austin hereby acknowledges April 17, 2021 as Stop Asian Hate Day and May 2021 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.