On May 4, 2023, Dr. Ting Wang, Chair of the UNCG Chapter of the Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus (APIC), delivered a keynote address at an event organized by the North Carolina State Government’s Equal Opportunity and Equity Office to mark the AAPI Heritage Month. During her presentation, Dr. Wang highlighted the concerning statistics of anti-Asian hate crimes both nationally and within the state, emphasizing the critical need for intervention. She also provided insights into the history and mission of the APIC within the UNC System, underscoring the organization’s dedication to fostering solidarity and unity in the face of rising anti-Asian sentiments and incidents. Dr. Wang’s call to action focused on the importance of increased education and advocacy efforts to support the AAPI community throughout North Carolina.

Congresswoman Manning, the US Representative for NC-06, recently sent a letter in support to APIC Chair, Anthony Chow. Here’s a link to her letter. An excerpt:

“The rise in anti-Asian violence and discrimination as a result of inflammatory rhetoric tied to the COVID-19 pandemic is unacceptable. Steps must be taken to stop these senseless acts and address the deeply misguided misconceptions which have fueled these devastating incidents.”

We want to thank Rep. Manning and her Legislative Director Jayme Holliday for their leadership and willingness to stand with us.

The US Congress is considering two different bills that will help prevent anti-Asian violence and racism. The first is the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which would allow the U.S. Attorney General to conduct greater oversight of COVID-19 hate crimes, improve resources to report and collect data on hate crimes, and establish best practices to mitigate discriminatory language tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second is the “The Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act would require Presidential and Congressional Academies grant applicants and recipients to include Asian Pacific American history as part of their American history and civics programs offered to students and teachers. The bill would also encourage the inclusion of Asian Pacific American history within national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Educational Progress and promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovative programming.” (Representative Manning’s Office)

The UNC System Faculty Assembly Executive Committee has adopted the Anti-Asian Violence and Racism Statement prepared Dr. Chow and the API UNC Caucus.