Proclamation Denounces COVID-19-based Stigma and Bias against Asian and Pacific Islander Communities
The Burien City Council issued a proclamation denouncing stigma and bias related to COVID-19. The proclamation calls out the discrimination Asian community members have faced during the COVID-19 outbreak.
There is a dangerous myth that Asian community members are somehow more at risk of having or spreading COVID-19. This is simply not true. The US now has more cases of COVID-19 than any other country, including China.
Report Discrimination or Harassment
Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination for employers, housing providers, and businesses to the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
“Violence, no matter the cause or intent, is never acceptable,” says Burien Police Chief Theodore Boe. “Any act of violence or threat should be immediately reported to 911."
Spread the Facts
Reliable and factual information is available online from King County and State of Washington public health officials and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is important that everyone share correct information about the coronavirus, its risk and transmission, and the importance of not stigmatizing a group based on background or country of origin.
Help Interrupt Stigma in Burien
The City of Burien is asking Burien residents to help fight stigma and bias in our community by spreading truth and not giving into fear and hate. We are all in this together.
Image courtesy of King County.