Dated: March 12, 2021
NEW YORK, NY

Anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents have increased dramatically over the last year.  In NY alone, the reports of anti-Asian bias crimes have increased nine-fold compared to the number reported last year.  Anti-Asian bias incidents are not limited to NY and appear to be increasing nationwide.  Especially tragic, it appears many of the targeted individuals are older adults.  Most recently in California, an 84-year-old man of Thai heritage was shoved to the ground in an unprovoked attack.  The elderly man died of a brain hemorrhage.  These bias attacks appear to be correlated with a false association of transmission of COVID-19 virus from people of Asian background.  Sikhs around the United States are very familiar with the increase in hate crimes against Asians since September 11, 2001.  
UNITED SIKHS stands in solidarity with anyone experiencing bias crimes and urges you to join a virtual action day to stand against violence towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).  On March 26, 2021, use social media to post a message condemning violence and bias against AAPI communities using the hashtag #StopAsianHate.  
Standing together against bigotry makes us stronger!