ISAC Statement and Resources to Stop AAPI Hate

March 25, 2021

As an agency dedicated to improving opportunities for all Illinoisans, we will continue to speak out against discrimination and violence in our communities. We stand with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in condemning and working to end the discrimination, hate and violence perpetrated against them – which have increased to deadly effect during this pandemic.

While we see perhaps a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the COVID-19 virus, we have yet to address the centuries old disease of racism and the pain it continues to inflict. There is no vaccine for this. There is only each of us being willing to stand up and support and embrace all of who we are as a state and a nation. When we do that, we can change systems of institutionalized racism, help ensure equity and improve opportunities for all Illinoisans, and help to eliminate the hate and violence that bring only further tragedy and destruction.

Here are some of the ways you can help Stop AAPI Hate right now:

• Visit the Stop AAPI Hate website to report an incident, share safety tips, how to donate to victims of hate crimes, and learn about advocacy options. https://stopaapihate.org/
• Last May, the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development put out a Guide for Responding to AAPI Hate during COVID-19 https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Documents/GOECD%20COVID-19%20Anti-AAPI%20Racism_Final.pdf
• The Asian American Resource and Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers Anti-Asian Bias Tools and Resources: https://aarcc.uic.edu/anti-asian-bias-tools-and-resources/ Also check the UIUC Asian American Cultural Center: https://oiir.illinois.edu/aacc
• Many colleges and universities have an Asian Student Union chapter providing numerous activities that increase cultural awareness and provide anti-bias events and resources.
• Many organizations offer bystander training. These trainings offer participants tools and skills to help identify hate incidents (of any kind) as they happen, and ways to take action safely and effectively. Check out: https://www.ihollaback.org/bystander-resources/

Finally, to our AAPI co-workers and their families, our partners, and the students and families we serve that are experiencing fear, anger, pain and grief:  ISAC stands with you and will continue to do our part in helping to eradicate discrimination and violence. We all deserve to live without fear and with equal opportunities to follow our dreams.