In the statement, the AABDC and its co-signatories call for all people to not allow the pandemic to stigmatize and criminalize members of the Asian American community. Signatories also call for businesses, diversity organizations, and corporate leaders to take a stand to promote facts about the coronavirus and to be vigilant about protecting workforce members from unjustified harassment and suspicion.
“In this challenging environment, it is vitally important for us to uphold and insist upon the fair and judicious treatment of our Asian American colleagues,” said Doug Cameron, Managing Partner – Americas and Senior Management Team sponsor of the firm’s Asian American Business Inclusion Group. “As always, we need to actively promote the principles of inclusion and equity and, as clearly set forth in our firm’s Core Values, to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times. Our firm stands in full support of the AABDC and our fellow statement signatories.”
Jennifer Cheng, partner chair of Reed Smith’s Asian American Business Inclusion Group commented, “It is disheartening to see the spike in anti-Asian discrimination and instances of xenophobia and hate during these challenging times. While it is very important to practice social distancing and stay healthy, we must maintain our spirit of inclusion and continue to stand up for equality and for those who are being unfairly targeted. We will all get through this storm but we stand by AABDC and our fellow statement signatories to ensure that we do so with our moral compass intact.”
In addition to serving as a call to action for businesses and their leaders, the statement also recommends certain actions corporations, their managers and employees can engage in to demonstrate support to their Asian American colleagues, partners, customers and the community during the pandemic.
The statement and recommendations can be found at aabdc.com.
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