A California state funding program created in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic is set to expire on June 30, with no plan yet for the state to renew the funds.
Community advocates and legislators pushing for continued funding said the need has not abated, with new challenges for some communities presented by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and xenophobic rhetoric.
“I have seen firsthand the importance of investing in programs that promote inclusion, safety, and belonging,” said Assembly Member Mike Fong, chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. “Continued funding for Stop the Hate helps ensure that community-based organizations have adequate resources to educate the public and support victims.”
During the pandemic, the API Legislative Caucus lobbied for dedicated state funds to provide legal aid, mental health services and other support to victims of hate incidents, including non-Asian victims, as well as to fund prevention efforts, such as anti-discrimination education and self-defense workshops.
Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, the Los Angeles-based regional lead for Stop the Hate program, and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, said anti-immigrant sentiment is high in the U.S.
“It’s a really scary time for us,” Kulkarni said, referring to immigrants. “There are real concerns everyday Americans have about their health and wellbeing, that’s why we need this funding now more than ever.”