The Kansas Psychological Association (KPA) remains steadfast in condemning structural racism, discrimination and hurtful stereotypes that target minority communities. Stop AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Hate, a coalition that has tracked anti-Asian violence during the pandemic, received 3,795 reports of hate incidents between March 2020 and February 2021. A study published earlier in March 2021 by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, a nonpartisan research center, showed a significant rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans from 2019 to 2020. Advocates for the Asian American community attribute this increase to the pandemic and erroneously blaming Asian Americans for the coronavirus. We are united in our stand against xenophobia directed toward Asians and Asian Americans. It is alarming the increase in harassment and hate that has been directed towards Americans of Asian descent because of their ethnic background or national origin. The recent shooting in Atlanta where 8 were murdered, 6 of Asian descent, remind us that hate acts towards the AAPI community is a problem that cannot be ignored or met without action or voices. 

We continue to challenge ourselves and our organization to self-reflect and commit to making a difference in our parts of the world as individuals and professionals. Below are some resources to address those targeted and those committed to being allies against such acts of racism.

• Kansas Psychological Association. Resource to locate psychologists providing behavioral and mental health services. Available here
• Directory of Mental Health Resources in Kansas. List of mental health resources across the State of Kansas. Retrieved here
• Southern Poverty Law Center. Resource Document-- Responding to Hate and Bias at School. This could be valuable for school psychologists and professors to increase dialogue around hate and bias. Retrieved here
• Mid-America Asian Cultural Association. Resource for promoting cultural awareness, socialization, and developing common interests in the Kansas City area. Retrieved here
• Asian American Psychological Association. Resource for promoting mental health of Asian American Communities. Information available here
• Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. Resource for protecting and promoting the civil rights of Asian Americans. Available here

KPA remains committed to our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and will support advocacy, education, and other efforts that address racial disparities and advance equity for our minority communities. For those interested, please contact Dr. Krithika Malhotra or Dr. Elizabeth Muenks for further discussion and collaboration of efforts.

Sincerely,