Chief justice responds to attacks on people of Asian descent

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statement Friday responding to recent attacks against Asians and Asian Americans, saying it was disheartening that while progress has been made to combat the coronavirus disease, "the disease of racism remains."

"Anti Asian violence, like any violence based on prejudice, bias, or fear of the other, is reprehensible," Cantil-Sakauye wrote. "Because of who I am as an Asian-Filipina, because of my parents, my aunties, friends, and connected communities of color, these attacks feel more personal."

"We can and must do better. We deepen our understanding by advancing diversity and respecting our differences," she said. "In respecting our differences, we strengthen our social contract. In strengthening our social contract, we abide by the rule of law. As we pass and approach many anniversaries relating to the pandemic, it is disheartening that while we have made progress on the virus, the disease of racism remains."

Cantil-Sakauye released the statement after eight people, most of them of Asian descent, were shot and killed at three Atlanta area massage parlors last week.

The suspected gunman, Robert Aaron Long, 21, denied the attacks were racially motivated. FBI Director Christopher Wray told National Public Radio the shootings did not seem to be linked to race. Atlanta police said they believe the suspect was motivated by a sex addiction.

During a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing Thursday, lawmakers and advocates spoke about a rise in violence and discrimination against Asian Americans during the pandemic. According to Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), there were 3,800 reported anti-Asian incidents nationwide last year.