State College mayor, borough council president: Community must stand united against acts of bias and hate
The State College Borough Council and the Borough of State College recognize the challenges faced by all residents during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the universal impact of the pandemic on daily life, it has also exposed existing inequities and biases in our communities, and placed additional unique stresses on specific populations. In particular, Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the nation are dealing with an uptick in bias and hate crimes directed toward them, and our community is no exception.
These racist acts range from avoiding or shunning people in public to name-calling and bullying in personal conversations. They include racist comments and acts in physical venues like grocery stores, medical facilities and workplaces, as well as online venues like Zoom classrooms. Participants, teachers and guest visitors, like authors, have experienced hate and bias from other participants in the meeting. Additionally, Zoom participants have been subjected to acts of bias perpetrated by uninvited people (Zoombombing). These hackers interrupt meetings by inserting offensive imagery or taunting participants with hate speech.
These acts of bias and hate have been directed not only against Chinese nationals and Chinese Americans, but also against those with origins in many other Asian countries. Some of the racist acts have also targeted other communities of color. These prejudicial and hostile acts have caused additional stress to all these communities, even as they serve crucial roles in COVID-19 response efforts as medical professionals, researchers, engineers, educators and workers in grocery stores, restaurants, farms and other arenas.
Our leaders in Pennsylvania, including Gov. Tom Wolf and the state police, have called for an end to these acts of bias and hate, which have no place in our nation, state or local communities. The State College Borough Council remains committed to ensuring that everyone in our community will have equitable access to resources as well as equal protection under the law.
We call on everyone in State College and neighboring communities to respect the individual humanity and dignity of all our residents, to stop bias, prejudice and hate and to stand united as we collectively respond to this virus. We also strongly urge all businesses, educational institutions and community organizations to create conditions that avoid discrimination against all patrons and students, and to stand up against any acts of hate or bias. We have always been dedicated to fostering a safe, vibrant, diverse and sustainable community here, and we must continue to do so, especially during this pandemic.
As we go about our new normal, following social distancing rules and wearing our masks, we must remember that we are all in this together. If you see or experience bias or hate, please report by email to tips@pa.gov, or by calling 800-472-8477, where dispatchers and troopers who speak several languages are available 24/7. Bias incidents can also be reported to Penn State through equity.psu.edu/reportbias. Further, if any community member feels discriminated against unfairly, they can visit the website www.phrc.pa.gov to file a complaint.
Great crises often bring out the best and worst in people. We ask the citizens of State College and the Centre Region to choose humanity, compassion and solidarity in facing these challenges.