San Francisco Health Commission adopts resolution condemning racism and violence targeting AAPI communities

The San Francisco Health Commission on April 6 adopted a resolution condemning racism, xenophobia and violence against individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and expressing solidarity with victims and their families.

Commissioner Tessie Guillermo and Dr. Ayanna Bennett introduced the item, citing recent local and national attacks and the disproportionate impact on elderly AAPI residents. Guillermo said the resolution was “very close to my own heart and lived experience,” and thanked Department of Public Health staff and leadership for drafting the language. Bennett told commissioners that department staff of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have reported fear for themselves and for elderly family members and that the department had convened an internal forum attended by roughly 300 staff to address mental-health needs and mutual support.

The resolution text, read into the record, chronicles historical legal discrimination and violent attacks — from 19th-century testimony bans and the Chinese Exclusion Era to Japanese internment — and cites recent incidents, including attacks reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. The draft cites data compiled by Stop AAPI Hate and recounts specific local incidents the commission said underscore the urgency of the measure.

Commissioners praised the resolution and offered a minor amendment to the nondiscrimination language to add “gender identity and expression.” President Bernal and other commissioners emphasized that the resolution is intended both to register the commission’s stance and to commit the department to support affected staff and communities.

The full commission approved the resolution by roll-call vote after the amendment was accepted. According to the resolution language read at the meeting, the commission acknowledged DPH’s outreach during the pandemic and affirmed that the department will continue to coordinate resources, mental-health support and community engagement to address the harms described.

The vote followed no public comment on the item. Mark (staff) read the certification language included in the packet and recorded the action in the minutes.