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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020
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Contact: Jenny Chiang
jenny.chiang@aacommission.org
(617) 367-9333 x 662
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Why Congressman Moulton’s Apology Must Be Accompanied By Action
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COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson
Vira Douangmany Cage
Vice Chairperson
Mabel Lam
Treasurer
Bora Chiemruom
Secretary
Philjay Solar
Jonjy Ananth
Meenakshi Bharath
Mary Chin
Gilbert Ho
Vanna Howard
Samuel Hyun
Pralhad KC
Danielle Kim
Betty King
Nate Bae Kupel
Mary K. Y. Lee
Wingkay Leung
Nina Liang
Dimple Rana
Haniya Syeda
Ying Wang
Executive Director
Jenny Chiang
One Ashburton Place
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
www.aacommission.org
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Earlier this week, MA Congressman Seth Moulton (D-6th District) became the lone Democratic lawmaker to place his support behind H. Res 907 which blamed the Chinese government for the COVID-19 crisis. Over a dozen Republican members of Congress joined him.
We condemn the ill-conceived and ill-timed resolution. H. Res 907 puts at risk the dignity and well being of AAPIs in the US and abroad just as our communities are experiencing escalating hostilities including verbal and physical attacks as bigots and racists look for a scapegoat for COVID-19.
We demand elected officials refrain from exploiting a global pandemic for the purpose of staking a foreign policy claim.
In the wake of a significant backlash, Congressman Moulton recently released a statement withdrawing his name from the resolution and offered an apology. While his withdrawal of support for the resolution is significant, he must work to convince remaining co-signers to do the same. Just as he led the drive to round up co-sponsors, he must lead the drive to recall the resolution and mitigate the harm, injury and distress he’s inflicted upon our communities.
Otherwise, the Congressman can keep his apology.
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The Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was created by legislation on October 29, 2006. This Commission recognizes that the Asian American community is the fastest growing minority group in Massachusetts. The goal of the AAC is to recognize, as well as highlight, the vital contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the Commonwealth. Additionally, the AAC is involved in identifying and addressing the various needs and challenges that currently face the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The Commission provides a permanent, effective voice for Asian Americans, and is comprised of 21 diverse members who are appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State, and the Treasurer.
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