The ADL thanks Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Fort Bend County Commissioners for passing a resolution denouncing hate and calling on all residents to treat each other with respect.

The resolution, which in no way limits freedom of speech, was prompted by a rise in anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, racism and discrimination across the country. It notes that hate incidents and crimes are rising as Asian and Pacific Americans, Jews, Muslims and immigrants are being blamed for the outbreak and spread of COVID-19. It cites the disproportionate impact of the virus on marginalized communities. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Covid Data Tracker says 32.3% of cases and 17.2% of deaths are in the Hispanic/Latino community, while Hispanics/Latinos make up only 16.7% of the U.S. population; and the Tracker says 19.9% of cases and 22.2% of deaths have occurred in the Black non-Hispanic community, while Black non-Hispanics account for only 12.7% of the U.S. population. The resolution also highlights that COVID-19 is a health issue, not a racial, religious or ethnic one, and stigmatizing specific communities for the disease creates an inexcusable risk to all community members.

The resolution denounces antisemitism, anti-Asian bigotry, and hateful rhetoric against the Asian and Pacific Islander, Jewish immigrant and other communities, and affirms the city’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members and to curbing hateful acts. It also encourages people to report incidents to the proper authorities and agencies for investigation.

“We are pleased Judge George and Fort Bend County Commissioners, while in the midst of protecting the county from the pandemic, took the time to condemn coronavirus-related hate and promote respect for all their citizens,” said ADL Southwest Regional Director Mark Toubin. “Fort Bend County’s leadership understands that the effort to contain COVID-19 requires that its residents be safe from hate as well as the disease.”