This week’s deadly shooting spree in Georgia is raising greater awareness of discrimination and violence against Asian Americans. A lone gunman murdered eight people, including six Asian women, in shootings at three Atlanta area spas. Police say the 21-year-old white male insists his motive did not involve race.
Stop AAPI Hate, a national advocacy group, reports a sharp increase in Asian Americans reporting verbal and physical harassment this year.In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights has seen a significant spike in complaints of discrimination against Asian Americans. Since 2016, the number of complaints filed with the state alleging discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation have more than doubled.
Director James White says there has been an increase in calls in the past week.
“What we can do here in the Michigan Department of Civil Rights is certainly afford those who feel they have been discriminated against an opportunity to make a complaint,” says White.
A vigil to honor the women murdered this week in Atlanta will be held next week in Ann Arbor.
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