Racism is real. Silence is acceptance.
WASHINGTON (March 22, 2021) — The escalation of violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States has resulted in 3,800 reported cases of anti-Asian hate crimes since March 2020. Tragically, that hate devolved into the recent killings in Atlanta of Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Soon C. Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, and Yong A. Yue. We mourn their loss and share in the grief of their family and friends.
This is an outrage on many levels. Innocent lives were once again lost because of hate — with victims targeted simply because of their race. The response to recent events remains woefully insufficient. Where is the outcry? We should all question whether enough is being done to address the issues at the root of what is fueling this surge in violence. Silence is acceptance.
As lawyers, we swear an oath to defend the rule of law, and we condemn in the strongest terms possible this grave threat to democracy, equality, and social justice. When acts of violence or hate are aimed at any group, we are all impacted, as hate and violence threaten the fabric of humanity.
Stand against race jokes. Stand against hate. Stand against violence. We challenge our members, supporters, and you to stand up, speak out, and actively lend your support of our AAPI colleagues, neighbors, families, and friends traumatized by the ongoing escalation of these senseless acts of violence.
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) stands in solidarity with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the AAPI communities to decry and denounce these series of attacks in the United States and around the world.
To learn more about what you can do to make a difference and stand for tolerance, diversity, inclusion, and equity, the resources from NAPABA are a great place to start.
The ACC Foundation will be hosting a special session of their Courageous Conversations series, featuring AAPI lawyers who will share their personal stories and experiences. The webcast will take place on March 31 at 2pm ET; and will be the first in a series of Foundation virtual talks focused on AAPI in-house counsel.
About ACC: The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is a global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. With more than 45,000 members in 85 countries employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.® For more information, visit www.acc.com and follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
About the ACC Foundation: The ACC Foundation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – supports the efforts of the Association of Corporate Counsel, serving the needs of the in-house bar through research, leadership and professional development opportunities, and support of diversity and pro-bono initiatives. The ACC Foundation partners with corporations, law firms, legal service providers, and bar associations to assist in the furtherance of these goals. For more information, visit https://www2.acc.com/foundation/.