We, the undersigned, stand with APALA and their statement against xenophobia and racism toward Asians and Asian/Pacific Americans due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (http://www.apalaweb.org/coronavirus-response/). We assert that the current calls for health and safety must include protecting each other from discrimination and xenophobic hostility. Asian, Asian/Pacific American, and people who may be perceived as Asian are currently being targeted as carriers of COVID-19, which perpetuates fear and anger instead of raising awareness about prevention and protection.

We recognize the need to protect all members of our communities and the users of our information organizations. We pledge to be watchful, to bolster our anti-discrimination protocols and policies, and to extend assurances to our community members of Asian and Asian/Pacific American descent.