Task Force for Equity, Inclusion, and Access

Condemning Violence Against Asians in North America

As an organization firmly committed to antiracism, ABCT expresses its support for the Asian American Psychological Association’s (AAPA) recent statement condemning violence against Asians and Asian Americans. In that statement, which can be found here, AAPA noted an increase in hate speech and physical violence toward people of Asian descent, most recently resulting in the death of an older Asian American in Northern California.

Indeed, multiple sources of information suggest an increase in racism toward Asians, Asian-Americans, and Asian-Canadians during the COVID pandemic. These have included declining sales at Asian-owned businesses, reports of increased bullying in schools, and violence toward those of Asian descent. A report by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council noted that Asian American women were three times more likely to report harassment compared to men.

We further note that the mislabeling of COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” or other racist monikers is not only a misrepresentation of the facts, but also contributes to anti-Asian rhetoric and actions.

ABCT denounces all forms of racism, discrimination, and xenophobia. We further wish to express our solidarity with those who are especially vulnerable, such as the elderly, those with limited English proficiency, and those who are undocumented.

David F. Tolin, Ph.D., ABPP

President, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies