State’s new hate crime hotline combats coronavirus racism

The state has introduced a new hotline to combat coronavirus-related racism. AP Photo by Mary Altaffer

By Rachel Vick

New York Attorney General Letitia announced the creation of a new hate crime hotline to field reports of xenophobia and racism related to the global coronavirus pandemic on Monday

Two Queens lawmakers, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng and State Sen. John Liu, joined James in making the announcement, as anti-Asian rhetoric surrounding the virus persists. The illness began in the Wuhan Province of China, prompting conservative radio hosts, lawmakers and even President Donald Trump to repeatedly refer to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus.”

“Long scapegoated and cast as ‘yellow peril,’ Asian Americans are besieged on two fronts by the COVID-19 contagion, with outbreaks of ignorance and bigotry sometimes inflicting more harm than the virus itself,” Liu said. “More and more hateful incidents are occurring, ranging from distasteful gestures to obnoxious name-calling to outright violence against Asian-Americans — and despicably condoned by the president himself.”

Anti-Asian offenses have occurred throughout the country in recent weeks, including in Queens. A man in Forest Hills was arrested for harassing a father bringing his 10-year-old to school.

“During this public health crisis, people are fighting for their lives – fighting to keep their families safe,” Meng said. “Yet these incessant, irresponsible, and atrocious naming of COVID-19 as the ‘Chinese virus’ or ‘Wuhan virus’ is endangering the lives of Asian Americans.”

The hotline will remain open indefinitely. Incidents can be reported to  civil.rights@ag.ny.gov or 1-800-771-7755.