As part of El Camino's ongoing support and solidarity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) colleagues and students, a recent student-led panel discussion addressed and condemned recent racial hate crimes against the AAPI community. The public was invited to join the dialogue addressing the rise of anti-Asian violence through the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies to counter hate were identified, as well as ways to support the Asian and Asian American community. Guest speakers included Victoria Kwon, ECC's Student Health Services psychologist; Trisha Murakawa, ECC Board of Trustees vice president; and author Nina Revoyr. El Camino also shared an event hosted by Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) addressing this important subject.

As misinformation and rhetoric about COVID-19 spread throughout the past year, racism and hate crimes also increased, creating vulnerability for these members of our community. According to a national report published by Stop AAPI Hate, there have been nearly 3,800 incidents of hate crimes against the AAPI community reported between March 19, 2020 and February 28, 2021.

El Camino College is committed to acknowledging the violent harassment against our AAPI community. Our mission reflects the need to ensure that every member of our campus community has a voice, feels safe, and is empowered to productively engage in our society. ECC Pacific Islander Scholars Association and Asian Americans Advancing Justice are resources available within the El Camino College community and beyond that support our efforts to combat "anti-Asian hate" incidents and are dedicated to reversing this deplorable trend.