By Michael V. Cusenza
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recently released The Federal Response to Anti-Asian Racism in the United States report.
Based on extensive research, expert and public testimony, the report assesses the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021, and the federal role in preventing and enforcing federal hate crime laws. Specifically, it highlights that hate crimes against Asian Americans increased 149 percent in 2020 across 18 cities and provides recommendations for action.
This report examines three main areas: 1) national trends and data regarding the rise of hate incidents and hate crimes against members of Asian communities; 2) local and state law enforcement’s prevention and reporting practices regarding hate crimes; and 3) federal efforts and policies that encourage greater participation in reporting hate crime incidents, as well as prosecution and enforcement efforts to prevent hate crimes.
Courtesy of USCCR
The report assesses the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021, and the federal role in preventing and enforcing federal hate crime laws.
“I am deeply appreciative to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) for examining the rise in anti-Asian racism for the first time in its history, and for being responsive to the rise in anti-Asian hate that our community experienced when the COVID-19 pandemic started,” Meng said. “I also want to acknowledge my constituent, Commissioner Glenn Magpantay for all his hard work. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to him and all the U.S.C.C.R. commissioners for elevating this important issue. The report provides actionable steps that Congress can take to better track and reduce hate crimes, and reaffirms how we must continue to make services bolstered through my COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act more language accessible.”
Among the eight commissioners on the Commission is Jackson Heights resident Glenn Magpantay, a borough-based civil rights attorney, professor of law and Asian American Studies, and LGBTQ+ rights activist.
“As the only Asian American Pacific Islander currently serving on the Commission, this report has a deep personal connection to me,” said Magpantay. “I am the survivor of a hate crime for being gay from 25 years ago and the victim of a hate crime for being Asian from 25 months ago. I’d also like to thank both Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and my hometown Representative Grace Meng, for recommending me to the Commission. I look forward to continuing working closely with both of their offices, in my role as a commissioner to further promote civil rights for all.”
