substitute for
senate Resolution No. 30
Whereas, Racism and prejudice toward Asian Americans have always existed. Prominent examples include the "Yellow Peril," the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II; and
Whereas, Hateful rhetoric regarding COVID-19 has contributed to a spike in discrimination and hate crimes toward Asian Americans. More than 30 percent of Asian Americans have reported being subjected to discrimination since the beginning of the Pandemic. According to Stop AAPI Hate, 3,795 incidents have been reported between March 19, 2020 and February 28, 2021 from all 50 states, including 25 in Michigan. Incidents have included physical assault, verbal harassment, shunning, workplace discrimination, refusal of service, and online harassment; and
Whereas, Acts of hate and discrimination are antithetical to our values as Michiganders and Americans. As civic leaders, it is our duty to promote respect, inclusion, and a welcoming community for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities; and
Whereas, All Michiganders can play a role in establishing a safe and welcoming community by intervening and reporting instances of hate and discrimination. Reporting these incidents is critical to holding perpetrators accountable and fully addressing the issue; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we condemn hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, and hateful acts against Asian Americans; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage Asian Americans and all Michiganders who experience hate crimes to report such incidents to local law enforcement or the Michigan Attorney General's Hate Crimes Unit; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage Asian Americans and all Michiganders who experience discrimination to report such experiences to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, and the Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.