Countering Hate and Ignorance

03.19.2021

The organization Stop AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Hate, reported that from March 2020 to February 2021, it received 3,795 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents, many apparently in misguided attribution of the cause of the pandemic to anyone who "looks" Asian. We stand with our Asian attorneys, staff and clients, condemning anti-Asian racism, violence and hatred. At Stinson, we work to secure fairness, equity and the rule of law, and have adopted goals and principles of diversity, inclusion and opportunity for all. In doing so, we have chosen to stand against hate and ignorance based upon an individual or group's characteristics or identification. In this context, we believe that no one should be subject to harassment, violence or other hate-based actions that limits their opportunities, creates fear or otherwise causes them to become less than their full authentic self.

In the past year, we have spoken out about violence and hate directed at persons of color, and we have purposefully educated and prepared ourselves to become better allies and up-standers for all our diverse constituents and communities. As a firm, we still have much to learn and do, but this much we know: the violence and hate directed at AAPI individuals is rooted in ignorance and is wrong. We must all work to counter the effects of racism and ignorance with support and understanding.