Asian American Caucus Hosts Roundtable to Discuss AAPI Violence, Discrimination

Trenton – On the eve of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, members of a newly formed legislative caucus hosted a roundtable to talk about ways to combat the rise in violence, discrimination and hate-based rhetoric towards people of Asian American and Pacific Island descent. Senator Vin Gopal and other members of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus led the discussion, which also included other legislators and advocates, as well as New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim.

Finding ways to raise visibility and improve understanding, as well as to foster more positive dialogue and communication and push back against hate are all part of the reason behind the formation of the Asian American Legislative Caucus, which also includes Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley.

“Confronting the rise of AAPI hate and violence is going to take all of us – at every level of government – working together to find solutions,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to see that hard work being done right here in New Jersey by the Asian American Legislative Caucus. Conversations like these matter and make a difference, and I’m proud to partner with this esteemed group of leaders to lift these issues up and give voice to our neighbors who need it in this moment.”

“We have seen all too well in recent months an escalation in unprovoked, hate-based violence directed towards Asian Americans,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “New Jersey has the third largest percentage of Asian American residents in the nation. We need to move proactively to make sure our voices are heard, and that we are protected from physical harm, as well as from ethnic or race-based discrimination.”

“The rise in hate crimes against members of the Asian American community has been a disturbing trend over the past year that needs to be addressed immediately,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “We as Americans must support our fellow citizens against all forms of discriminatory and racist behavior. Our communities need to be safe for individuals of all races and ethnicities to live comfortably, not fearfully. We will not tolerate hate.”

“Today’s conversation is the first of many the Asian American Caucus will have on the issues concerning our diverse communities,” said Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson). “With intelligent, informative dialogue comes the opportunity to teach and change stigmas and to combat hate. New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation and the launch of this Caucus celebrates that diversity.”

“It is becoming far too familiar that we see or hear situations of hate and violence towards Asian Americans. This must end. New Jersey is a place where all are welcomed and the necessary discussions by the Asian American Legislative Caucus will shed light on the various issues Asian American’s endure,” said Assemblyman Stanley (D-Middlesex). “I am proud to be a member of the Caucus that celebrates the diversity of our State and am confident we will work to ensure that acts of violence and discrimination are no longer disregarded.”

“Hate has no place here in New Jersey. Our state’s strength comes from its diversity. Our Asian American and Pacific Islander community has enriched every corner of New Jersey’s culture, economy, schools, arts, businesses, and so much more,” said Assemblywoman Lopez (D-Middlesex). “Representation matters, and the work of the Asian American Caucus will bring these important issues to the forefront as we work to promote tolerance, acceptance and inclusivity.”

Asian Americans make up a sizable part of New Jersey’s diverse population, about 10 percent of the total, and have been central to its growth, culture and vitality for many years. Even so, a report by Jersey Promise, an advocacy group for people of Asian origin or descent, said that Asian-Americans continue to be “the least understood and least studied community” among Garden State policymakers and stakeholders.

“New Jersey has welcomed immigrants from around the world since its very founding,” added Senator Gopal. “As we move forward in the 21^st Century in our multi-cultured state, we need to make sure all our people, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, are valued and encouraged, in whatever endeavor they undertake without fear of being attacked or discriminated against.”