San Francisco Health Commission condemns racism against Asian and Pacific Islander communities

The San Francisco Health Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding racism and violence against individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. The meeting began with a comprehensive resolution denouncing discrimination and expressing solidarity with affected communities.

The resolution highlighted the historical context of racism faced by Asian and Pacific Islander individuals in the United States, detailing significant events such as the 1854 California Supreme Court ruling that denied Asian individuals the right to testify against white individuals, and the 1942 internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The commission emphasized that these historical injustices have contributed to ongoing discrimination and violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where hate crimes against these communities surged.

Commissioner Chao presented statistics indicating that over 2,000,000 individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent are frontline workers in the pandemic, yet they have faced increased harassment and violence. The resolution noted that organizations like Stop AAPI Hate reported approximately 3,800 incidents of hate and violence against these communities during the pandemic, with a significant number of victims being elderly.

The commission also addressed the impact of stigmatizing rhetoric related to COVID-19, which has exacerbated fears and discrimination against Asian and Pacific Islander individuals. The resolution called for the creation of safe spaces in clinical environments to support the mental health of these communities and to encourage individuals to seek help without fear of discrimination.

In conclusion, the Health Commission unanimously adopted the resolution, reaffirming its commitment to combating racism and supporting the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background. The meeting underscored the importance of community solidarity and the need for continued efforts to address discrimination and promote public health equity.