American Academy of Pediatrics Confronts Pandemic-Fueled Racism and Xenophobia Against the Asian-American Community

The American Academy of Pediatrics leadership tackles the COVID-19-fueled racism and xenophobia against the Asian American community and its harm to children with an article published Monday, May 3, in Pediatrics online here. The Pediatrics Perspective, “Immunizing Against Hate: Overcoming Asian American and Pacific Islander Racism,” was written by the Executive Committee of the AAP Board of Directors, in collaboration with the Board Committee on Equity. AAP leaders note that since the beginning of the pandemic, racism and xenophobia against the Asian American community has coincided with increases in racist abuse, bullying, and violent attacks. Hate crimes against Asian Americans increased nearly 150% in 2020. Asian American children and teens have confided in their pediatricians that they are afraid to walk to school, go to school or go to church, because they have been bullied or shunned. AAP recognizes how the social environment can shape child and adolescent development and encourages pediatricians to respond to circumstances that undermine child health. This role is outlined in a 2019 policy statement, The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.