ACDIS update: Committee releases statement on the rise in anti-Asian hate crime

While overall hate crime dropped 7% in 2020, anti-Asian hate crime increased by 149%. This spike in violence followed a surge in racist rhetoric about China after COVID-19 spread to the United States. These hate crimes are a continuation of the ongoing systemic racism occurring within our country.

As stated during the start of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, ACDIS stands with the American Public Health Association’s unequivocal statement that racism is a public health issue. To address this issue, we believe change is needed in all industries, including our own corner of healthcare.

ACDIS is committed to doing ongoing work to help address racism and find ways to ensure that underrepresented groups receive equal opportunities, both within our association and the industry at large.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination and display of intolerance, aggression, or hate. We take seriously inflammatory statements and/or disparaging comments or acts of violence by those who represent the ACDIS community. We will not permit acts or statements of hatred, the marginalization of others, or a lack of morality within our community.

ACDIS welcomes and celebrates people of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, socioeconomic status, backgrounds, and other differences. It is not only our mission to make ACDIS a place of diversity and inclusion, but our responsibility. ACDIS is a place of inclusion where all members should feel welcome, safe, and accepted, and we take very seriously any actions that interfere with our mission. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned, please feel free to reach out to the members of the ACDIS Diversity and Inclusion Task Force or leadership team.