Statement on passage of anti-Asian hate crimes bills

We applaud the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, passed through the U.S. House and the Senate and now signed by President Biden. This is an important recognition of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and reaffirms that - like all Americans - our civil liberties matter.

The historical passage of this legislation will help to improve reporting of anti-Asian hate crimes. We know there is still more work that needs to be done, and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) is committed to serving as a resource and advocating for our community.

Individuals can contact the Department of the Attorney General Hate Crimes Unit if they have knowledge of, or are a victim of, a crime motivated by hate by phone at 313-456-0200 or by email at HateCrimes@michigan.gov.

MAPAAC works to advance the full and equal participation of Asian Pacific Americans in the building of a greater Michigan. Learn more about MAPAAC at Michigan.gov/MAPAAC.