Hate Crimes Continue to Rise, Despite Federal Legislation

Was Live Friday, May 1, 2026 | 11am PST

Guest Speakers

• John C. Yang, President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC
• Stephanie Chan, Director of Data & Research, Stop AAPI Hate
• Sameer Hossain, Managing Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council
• Mannirmal Kaur, Senior Federal Policy Manager, Sikh Coalition

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Overview

On May 20, 2021, during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, President Joe Biden signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which aimed to make hate crime reporting more accessible at local and state levels amidst a spike in anti-Asian hatred. 

But five years on, anti-Asian hate incidents remain high – nearly 3 times pre-pandemic levels. This week, at the start  of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, American Community Media is partnering with Asian Americans Advancing Justice—AAJC to discuss the continuing spikes in hate crimes and incidents, 5 years after Biden signed the Act. 

Speakers will also discuss President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Indian Americans and Chinese Americans, and the spikes in hate crimes and incidents targeting other minority communities.

Presented by ACoM

Cover Image Credit: Canva Photos