Asia Society Responds to Anti-Asian Violence in the United States

NEW YORK, February 11, 2021 — Asia Society President and CEO and Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) President Kevin Rudd issued the following statement in response to recent incidents of anti-Asian violence across the United States:

“The Asia Society was established in the United States 65 years ago. Our mission since then has been to promote intercultural understanding, diversity, and inclusion. Any form of racism, let alone racial violence, is abhorrent to our institution. Indeed, any form of racism or racial violence against any minority is equally abhorrent.

Last April, Dr. Russell Jeung spoke at Asia Society Texas on the historical roots of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia in the United States and how long-standing stereotypes and conspiracy theories have led to increased reports of verbal harassment, physical attacks, and bullying against Asians and Asian Americans across the United States.

Today, nearly a year later, these appalling hate crimes continue. We stand in solidarity with the Asian and Asian American community in the ongoing fight against racism.

This recent spate of horrific incidents of anti-Asian violence across the United States highlights the importance of our work promoting mutual understanding and the critical work to which Professor Jeung and his colleagues at #StopAAPIHate are dedicated.

I would urge all Asia Society staff, and indeed all Americans, that if and when they observe their fellow Americans – who happen to be Asian Americans – being subject to any form of racial attack, to stand up and be counted. And to stand in solidarity with our Asian American brothers and sisters.”