MARYLAND COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS STATEMENT AGAINST ACTS OF HATE AND BIAS AGAINST THE ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITYThe Maryland Commission on Civil Rights stands in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in condemning anti-Asian sentiment and any acts of racism throughout the region and the nation. In May of 2020, the Commission’s Executive Director, Alvin O. Gillard, issued a statement condemning the murder of George Floyd and the systemic racism that many people of color face in our communities. We feel troubled by these acts of racism standing in solidarity with these communities in seeking justice and equity. Moreover, these victims and their families shall remain in our thoughts and hearts. As the agency in State government with the statutory mission of enforcing anti-discrimination statutes preventing unlawful discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, and State contracts, we affirm our commitment in addressing unlawful discrimination throughout the State. This public agency remains focused and authentic in pursuing our statutory charge to represent the voices of all citizens. A critical part of MCCR’s mission includes promoting and improving the civil rights in the State. We recognize that racism has historically been cultivated by deliberate misinformation and a devaluing of the other that all who possess good will should condemn. As the Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the staff, we specifically recognize that COVID-19 as well as some in the past Administration have amplified the bias against and the barriers and disparities experienced by people of color and by immigrants. We reflect upon Edmund Burke’s quote that President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., relied upon in their public speeches, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.” The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights calls on all people of our state, and especially those who self-describe as people of “good-will”, to join us in combating unlawful discrimination in all its forms. There are opportunities for you to join with Human Relations Commissions in your counties, as well as advocacy and service organizations around the state that promote equity, inclusion, and opportunity. In conclusion, we encourage all Marylanders to step-up and become a part of community efforts to promote sustainable change through the dismantling of systems of oppression, neglect, and inferiority. Let us all stand as good neighbors by showing our support for the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our community with some acts of kindness. We stand with you! |
