Anti-Asian Hate Crimes during the COVID-19 Pandemic By Serena Mohammed, CASJ Status of Women Action Group and Richmond teacher
I
started writing this article on Victoria Day, just as our province was heading into phase two of the restart plan. British Columbians will soon begin meeting with small groups of friends, visiting stores, and participating in outdoor activities. For many of my friends and colleagues who identify as Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC), the reports of decreasing numbers of new COVID-19 cases have not completely alleviated our apprehensions regarding staying safe in public. In addition to the health concerns that are associated with COVID-19, we are worried about our own personal safety. I am three-quarters Chinese, and I work and live in a school district where over half of the population identifies as Chinese. Since the onset of the pandemic in Canada, reports of anti-Asian hate crimes have increased significantly. The victims of these hate crimes are not only people of Asian descent. Indigenous people and People of Colour with no connection to Asia have been targeted
as well. The victims have been told to go back to China, blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic, verbally harassed, and physically assaulted. Many anti-Asian assaults and incidents of harassment were unprovoked. Most of the victims were attacked when they were taking public transportation or walking in the community. Many of the victims were women or senior citizens. Two members of my immediate family, my mother and sister, were verbally harassed on two separate occasions. The Chinese Cultural Centre—where I used to attend Chinese language school and where many children still participate in enrichment lessons—was vandalized. I am worried about how these children will feel when they find out that their language school has been damaged intentionally. As students and staff return to in-school learning, many of my colleagues are worried about their own safety and the safety of their students as they travel to school by public transportation and spend more time in public. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the continued existence of racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada. Unfortunately, this is not the only time that folks who identify as IBPOC have been affected by racism. People have been impacted by racial discrimination throughout Canadian history. The Racism in Canada Timeline poster and accompanying video provide clear and accessible summaries of Canada’s role in racism since confederation. In order to prevent continued discrimination against IBPOC communities, we need to take major and meaningful steps towards the elimination of racism. As teachers, we have an important role to play in promoting social justice, inclusion, tolerance, and respect. It is important for teachers to inspire children and youth to advocate for a world that is free of racism and other forms of discrimination so that everyone can feel safe, empowered, and included. The new BCTF resource Racism and COVID-19 includes links to several useful teaching resources. Teachers can also support students by teaching them how to access victim services. Victims of a hate crime can report the incident by calling 911. Notify the operator that you are reporting a hate crime and indicate whether it is an emergency or a non-emergency. The operator will direct you to the appropriate staff to report the incident. For more information about supports and services for victims of hate crimes, visit the BC Hate Crimes website and consult the BCTF resource Racism and COVID-19.
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BCTF Social Justice Newsletter, Summer/Fall 2020
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