Kim reminds Pennsylvanians that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated during the COVID-19 public health crisis

Rep. Patty Kim    March 26, 2020 | 5:13 PM

HARRISBURG, MARCH 26 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, today said she is joining with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to push back on hate crimes and advocate for tolerance during the coronavirus, COVID-19 global pandemic. 

“I want to thank the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and its executive director, Chad Lassiter, for standing behind our Asian-American community," Kim said. "We want to remind Pennsylvanians that it is unacceptable to tolerate racial slurs, xenophobic attacks and harassment, especially during this global pandemic. It’s wrong to shift blame or accuse Asian-Americans for this crisis. Pathogens do not discriminate. I stand ready to help and protect anyone who is being discriminated against during the COVID-19 crisis. Moving forward, do not hesitate to contact my office for direct assistance and to report these instances of abuse and harassment. We stand united together in our fight against hate.” 

“In response to the many calls received by both the PHRC and the office of Representative Kim, we want you to know that we are taking those communications and responding as quickly as possible,” said Lassiter. “We are setting up a rapid response system that will allow us to address acts of discrimination in this emergency that are initiated based on the COVID-19 pandemic. PHRC is pleased to be working with Representative Kim and other partners to address unacceptable hateful behavior in the Asian-American and other communities.”

Kim said Pennsylvania has hate crime laws for protection and an ethnic intimidation law that can serve those who are confronted with these horrible acts. She encouraged people to check the PHRC website for contact information and how to file a complaint. PHRC representatives also can be reached by email at PHRC@pa.gov for complaints of discrimination related to COVID-19.

More information also is available by contacting Kim’s office at 717-986-1673.