City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 17, 2021
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Resolution Condemning Anti-Asian American Hate. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Condemning anti-Asian American scapegoating and hate violence that is occurring in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution condemning anti-Asian American scapegoating and hate violence, and affirming the City’s commitment to actively combatting racism and protecting its vulnerable residents.
BACKGROUND: President Biden issued an Executive Memorandum on his 6th day in
Office committing the Federal government to Condemn and Combat Racism, Xenophobia,
And Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Incidents
of anti-Asian American hate violence and harassment have increased since the beginning of the
pandemic, including efforts to scapegoat Asian Americans for the virus.
A Pew Research Center study found that one third of Asian Americans report being the target of
racial slurs or scapegoating since the pandemic. There have been horrific incidents including
assaults, slashing, and deaths in communities around our nation. Asian American businesses and
workers have suffered economic losses and unemployment at an alarming rate due to bigotry and
hate.
Nearly 6% of Alexandria’s population is of Asian descent, and the Asian American population of Alexandria makes significant contributions to the cultural, educational, and economic fabric of our community.
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed Resolution
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
Jean Kelleher, Director, Office of Human Rights