The American College of Academic International Medicine (ACAIM) condemns all forms of violence, discrimination, racism, harassment and xenophobia. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the combination of inflammatory political discourse, deeply embedded prejudices, and the general increase in intolerant behaviors has resulted in a significant increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Regardless of whether the manifestation of anti-Asian bias takes the form of social exclusion, non-verbal behaviors, verbal abuse or physical violence, we must stand united, respond firmly, and emphasize that racism and its consequences are deplorable and unacceptable. According to official statistics, anti-Asian American hate crimes reported to police rose by nearly 150% between 2019 and 2020. The group Stop Asian American and Pacific Islander Hate reported approximately 3,800 hate attacks between March 19, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Physical assaults, including injuries and homicides, comprised approximately 11% of the incidents. It is likely that incidence of hate crimes is much higher, as a significant proportion of such events goes unreported for a variety of reasons.

The Leadership of ACAIM stands with the victims of anti-Asian American attacks, abuse, and discrimination, just as we stand against any forms of discrimination based upon race, religious and/or political beliefs, gender identification and orientation, sex, and socio-economic upbringing. Furthermore, as physician-scientists and humanitarians, we must learn from the current experiences and ensure more robust efforts to implement “educate and prevent” programs against racial violence and abuse. Our thoughts go out to families and communities affected by anti-Asian American hate crimes across the country. To combat the ignorance and hate, we must stand together!