APABA-PA Statement on Anti-Asian Bias in PA Campaign Rhetoric

As we enter another election year in Pennsylvania, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania (APABA-PA) cautions all political candidates and officials to avoid making anti-Asian statements, including rhetoric that does not advance discourse on a particular topic. In July 2021, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued helpful guidance on how to communicate publicly about concerns with China’s leaders and investments in the United States economy without further endangering Asian Pacific Americans. During a time when anti-Asian sentiments have led to an increase in violent crimes against Asian Pacific Americans, it is imperative that all individuals in political positions and those seeking political office act responsibly and understand that words have consequences.