Oregon Women Lawyers stands with our fellow affinity bar associations, including the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association (OAPABA) and Oregon Filipino American Law Association (OFALA), in condemning recent hateful anti-Asian violence.
Racism, discrimination, and violence against communities of color are products of pervasive white supremacy in this country. Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are the most recently obvious targets but by no means the only ones and this treatment is by no means new to this community.
The language that leaders and politicians use matters and we as a community cannot allow racist language to stand unchecked. Terms including “Wuhan Flu” and “Kung Flu” contribute to misinformation and an atmosphere where those predisposed to violence against communities of color are emboldened to act.
National, state, and local leaders must speak out against this racist language each time it is used and must be held accountable when they are the perpetrators. Those who promote racism with such language should not tolerated in positions of leadership or community trust.
While the recent gun violence against Asian women in Atlanta is the latest act of domestic terrorism committed by white supremacists, nearly 4000 hate incidents against Asians, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities have been reported over the past year in the United States, including here in Oregon. Please stand with us to create a community that is safe for everyone.
The mission of Oregon Women Lawyers is to transform the practice of law and ensure justice and equality by advancing women and minorities in the legal profession.
March 18, 2021
