Letter to condemn racist attack

 To Delegates Mark Fisher and Brian Chisholm,

The 80-20 Washington DC Area Asian American Political Action Committee (DCAPAC) strongly condemns your recent racist and xenophobic remarks directed at Maryland Delegate Dr. Chao Wu. Your public statements and conduct, including mocking his accent, questioning his loyalty to the United States because of his Chinese birth, and insinuating that he is a foreign spy, are offensive, irresponsible, and unacceptable for elected officials entrusted with public service.

Dr. Wu is an elected representative of the people of Maryland, a respected engineer and data scientist, and a proud American public servant. Attempts to portray him as disloyal solely because he is Chinese-born revive some of the darkest chapters of American history, when Asian Americans were treated as perpetual foreigners and targets of suspicion and discrimination. Such rhetoric fuels prejudice and contributes to the rise of anti-Asian hate that communities across this country have endured in recent years.

We are particularly disturbed that these remarks came from elected lawmakers. Public officials have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of democratic institutions and to foster respect among all communities, not to amplify racial stereotypes and conspiracy theories for political theater.

We agree with the calls already made by Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and members of the Maryland Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus for accountability and apology.

DCAPAC therefore formally demands that you:

Issue a clear and public apology to Delegate Dr. Chao Wu and his family;

Apologize to the Asian American community for the harmful stereotypes and xenophobic rhetoric used;

Remove the offensive video and related social media content;

Commit to engaging in respectful and constructive discourse consistent with the standards expected of Maryland elected officials.

Asian Americans are an integral part of the fabric of Maryland and the United States. We will not remain silent when public figures attempt to marginalize our community or question our patriotism based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

We urge you to reflect seriously on the harm caused by your words and actions, and to take immediate steps to repair that harm through a sincere and unequivocal apology.

Sincerely,

80-20 Washington DC Area Asian American Political Action Committee (DCAPAC)