Commissioners address racism and health inequity impacting Asian Pacific Islander communities

The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding racism and health inequities affecting the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges these communities face, particularly in light of recent violent incidents that have drawn attention to systemic racism.

Commissioner Chao opened the discussion by expressing gratitude to fellow Commissioner Guillermo for her contributions to a resolution aimed at denouncing anti-Asian rhetoric. Chao emphasized the importance of not only condemning racism but also addressing the underlying issues that contribute to it. She referenced a seminar led by Professor Russell Jernong from UC Berkeley, who noted that anti-Asian sentiment often stems from the dual perceptions of Asians as both outsiders and model minorities. Chao argued that merely labeling Asians as model minorities fails to address the deeper issues of racism and health inequity.

The conversation shifted to the need for better data disaggregation to understand the diverse needs within the API community, which has grown significantly in recent years. Chao pointed out that historical neglect of these issues has led to a lack of recognition of the health disparities faced by API individuals, particularly those from varied immigration backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.

Chao also acknowledged the historical context of racism within the city's health department, recalling that Chinese individuals were once barred from accessing city hospitals unless they had tuberculosis. It was not until 1925 that the community was allowed to establish its own hospital. This historical perspective underscored the importance of the current resolution and the need for the city to lead in addressing health equity for all racial communities.

In conclusion, the commission's discussions underscored a commitment to not only support the API community but also to actively work towards improving health equity and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate racism. The meeting set a tone for future actions aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity within San Francisco's health policies.