CLARK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM
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Petitioner: |
Yolanda T. King, County Manager |
Recommendation:
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Approve, adopt, and authorize the Chair to sign a resolution condemning and combatting racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. (For possible action)
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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BACKGROUND:
Clark County’s support for inclusion and belonging for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities is critical to guaranteeing the safety and security of the American people.
During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric has put Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) persons, families, communities, and businesses at risk. Some national leaders have used divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, referring at times to COVID-19 as “the China virus.” The rhetoric is reminiscent of the late 1800s, when Chinese Americans were deemed the “yellow peril,” despite living in the United States for years. Such statements have stoked unfounded fears and perpetuated stigma about AAPIs.
Scientists have confirmed that COVID-19 does not respect borders and is not caused by ethnicity, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against using geographic descriptors because they can fuel ethnic discrimination. With COVID-19 still spreading, numerous AAPIs have reported experiencing microaggressions, racial profiling, hate incidents, and in some cases, hate violence.
At the March 16, 2021 Clark County Board of County Commissioners (County Commission) meeting, the County Commission discussed the issue of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against AAPIs. Staff was directed to prepare a resolution condemning and combatting racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against AAPIs. The Clark County Asian-American Pacific Islanders Community Commission (AAPICC) expressed support of the resolution at the March 16, 2021 County Commission meeting.
Through the passage of this resolution, Clark County denounces intolerance, xenophobia, and anti-Asian sentiment and supports the AAPICC in such efforts to combat intolerance, xenophobia, and anti-Asian sentiment. Furthermore, Clark County joins cities, counties, and states across the country in affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of AAPIs and in combatting hate crimes targeting AAPIs. Clark County will continue its efforts to protect residents and victims of hate crimes.