“We appreciate Mayor Turner, Council Member Kamin, and all of Houston’s City Council for taking the time to condemn coronavirus-related hate and promote respect for all Houstonians.”
-ADL Southwest Regional Director Mark Toubin
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and members of Houston’s City Council signed a letter denouncing hate and the disproportionate impact of Coronavirus, while calling on all residents to treat each other with respect.
The letter was introduced by Council Member Kamin and was prompted by a rise in anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, racism and discrimination across the country. It notes that hate incidents and crimes are rising as the Asian and Pacific Islander community, Jews, Muslims and immigrants are being blamed for the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 and draws attention to the disproportionate impact of the virus on marginalized communities. It also highlights that COVID-19 is a health issue, not a racial, religious or ethnic one, and stigmatizing specific communities for the disease creates an inexcusable risk to all community members.
The letter denounces antisemitism, anti-Asian bigotry, and hateful rhetoric against the Asian and Pacific Islander, Jewish immigrant and other communities, and affirms the city’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members and to curbing hateful acts. It also encourages people to report incidents to the proper authorities and agencies for investigation.