Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes increased by more than 73%, compared to hate crimes in general, which rose by 13%. Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that became the authority on gathering data on racially motivated attacks related to the pandemic, received 9,081 incident reports between March 19, 2020, and this June. 

According to the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), 78% of AAPI women have been affected by anti-Asian racism, including being called a racial slur, feeling unsafe walking outside, and experiencing discrimination or harassment at work. During the San Diego County Bar Association Equity Roundtable, Y. Jennifer Lee, President-Elect of Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego (PALSD), spoke about how increased anti-Asian hate is the biggest issue her members currently face. 

On Monday, Asian American actress Olivia Munn hosted a gathering via Zoom of AAPI women and allies in a conversation about how to stop anti-Asian hate. During the conversation, they were subjected to a hate crime in real time: targeted by a Zoom-bombing of horrific, violent, racially charged images and audio. 

Lawyers Club stands with the AAPI community and vehemently opposes these unconscionable acts. What can you do? Support and donate directly to AAPI organizations (such as PALSD and NAPAWF), support AAPI leaders, vote in every election. Make your voice heard and help amplify AAPI voices.