Meng Applauds Release Of U.S. Commission On Civil Rights Report Focusing On Anti-Asian Racism In The United States
One of Commission’s members is a Queens resident who was appointed to the agency earlier this year
Report examines the federal government’s role in documenting, prosecuting and preventing hate crimes against those of Asian descent during the COVID-19 pandemic
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, applauded the release of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ Statutory Enforcement Report: The Federal Response to Anti-Asian Racism in the United States.
Among the eight commissioners on the Commission is Jackson Heights, Queens resident and Meng constituent Glenn Magpantay, a borough-based civil rights attorney, professor of law and Asian American Studies, and LGBTQ+ rights activist. Magpantay was sworn in this past February and Meng and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) recommended and praised his appointment.
The report examines the federal government’s role in documenting, prosecuting and preventing hate crimes against those of Asian descent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it highlights that hate crimes against Asian Americans increased 149% in 2020 across 18 cities and provides recommendations for action.
“I am deeply appreciative to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) for examining the rise in anti-Asian racism for just the second time in its history, and for being responsive to the rise in anti-Asian hate that our community experienced when the COVID-19 pandemic started,” said Rep. Meng. “I also want to acknowledge my constituent, Commissioner Glenn Magpantay for all his hard work. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to him and all the U.S.C.C.R. commissioners for elevating this important issue. The report provides actionable steps that Congress can take to better track and reduce hate crimes, and reaffirms how we must continue to make services bolstered through my COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act more language accessible.”
“I am proud to have recommended the exceptional Glenn Magpantay for the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and I commend the Commission’s newly released report on the federal response to anti-Asian racism,” said Senator Schumer. “Mr. Magpantay is a long-time civil rights professional, and he brings an invaluable perspective and experience to the Commission as the only Asian American Pacific Islander commissioner. He and the whole Commission have examined the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and recommended actions that can be taken to stem this tide of intolerance, building upon the tools and guidance laid out in the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, that I was proud to champion and pass. Thanks to the U.S.C.C.R. for their timely response to the troubling rise in anti-Asian hate crimes across the country and I look forward to their future work to advance civil rights.”
“As the only Asian American Pacific Islander currently serving on the Commission, this report has a deep personal connection to me,” said Commissioner Magpantay. “I am the survivor of a hate crime for being gay from 25 years ago and the victim of a hate crime for being Asian from 25 months ago. I'd also like to thank both Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and my hometown Representative Grace Meng, for recommending me to the Commission. I look forward to continuing working closely with both of their offices, in my role as a commissioner to further promote civil rights for all.”
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency founded to research national civil rights policy and investigate claims of civil rights violations. Created by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Commission is led by eight commissioners, half appointed by Congress and half by the President, with six-year terms and no more than four members being of the same political party at any given time.
Meng also joined a press conference this afternoon with the Commission announcing the report.