December 16, 2015
WASHINGTON – At the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), we work to be a voice for respect, fairness, equity and health justice for all. In light of growing anti-Muslim hate across America, we release the following statement:
As members of diverse communities that have faced historic discrimination, we extend our support to the American Muslim and Sikh, Arab and South Asian American communities as they endure backlash as result of the actions of few. We stand together with our families, friends, neighbors and colleagues because no persons should face discrimination based on their racial, ethnic or religious backgrounds. Throughout history, widespread bigotry has excluded Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other minority groups from achieving freedom, equality and opportunity, and the effects of past discrimination are still felt in our communities today.
As Americans, we must aspire to something greater than a legacy of discrimination. We unite with the American Muslim and Sikh, Arab and South Asian American communities as recent terrorist attacks around the world and at home have intensified ongoing xenophobia and prejudice in the post-September 11 era. We are committed to fighting the hate aimed at so many among us, and we will continue to raise up the voices of our communities to promote respect and equity for all. #WeAreBetterThanThis