REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Affirming the City's Commitment to Stand Against and Condemn Violence and Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Transparency and Community Engagement
BACKGROUND
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in March 2020, harmful and xenophobic rhetoric related to the geographic origins of this disease has exacerbated Anti-Asian sentiment and resulted in a surge of xenophobic violence and hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, communities, and businesses throughout California. There have been over 2,800 documented hate incidents targeting Asian Americans throughout the nation, including over 700 reported incidents of racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area, some notable for their level of violence and cruelty.
At the March 8, 2021 Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Task Force) meeting, the Task Force voted to authorize Member Knaack and Member Zamora-Marroquin to work with the Mayor, Police Chief, and City staff on developing a resolution condemning violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well as other possible recommendations to support Santa Clara's Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Over 44% of Santa Clara's population identifies as Asian American or Pacific Islander.
DISCUSSION
The attached resolution affirming the City's commitment to stand against and condemn violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (Resolution) was developed by the two Task Force members, Knaack and Zamora-Marroquin, and coordinated with the Mayor and Police Chief (Attachment 1).
The proposed Resolution condemns any racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian American and Pacific Islanders and affirms the City's commitment to the well-being and safety of Asian American and Pacific Islander community members...
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