Enough Is Enough: Stopping AAPI Violence

Last week, a white gunman killed six Asian women and two others in the Atlanta, Georgia area — one of several recent violent incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). This latest tragedy is part of a disturbing surge in racism, physical violence and harassment we’ve seen against people of Asian descent since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the executive sponsor of the Asian employee resource group at Levi Strauss & Co., and as a proud Indian American, I have to say enough is enough. Last week, when I was out with my wife and adult daughter in a popular dining district in San Francisco, we decided as a family that none of us would walk alone. This experience was startling, and yet I know it’s one that many people are currently experiencing. Unfortunately, like many others in the AAPI community, I too have experienced discrimination and know firsthand the pain it causes.

I know that I speak for our employees, especially those of AAPI descent, when I say that we are all hurting. We are scared. We are angry. And we are tired of experiencing hate and discrimination.

We cannot tolerate another day of accepting hate crimes against our Asian friends, family members or colleagues. We are and we should be outraged and devastated at the loss of eight lives in Atlanta and every other reported — and unreported — act of violence and discrimination. We all must acknowledge the impact of this violence on individuals and their families, and the pain that we as a community are experiencing.

Over the last year, we have doubled down on our commitment to fight racism, stand up to bias and advocate for equality — on behalf of our employees, fans and community members around the world. The Levi Strauss Foundation continues to support organizations leading this work like Chinese for Affirmative Action and Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus. More recently, we articulated our own stance as allies to the AAPI community and committed to a number of actions as a company that bring our commitments to life, including hosting bystander training sessions and providing resources for employees seeking to understand and navigate race-based trauma and bigotry.

At LS&Co., we stand against any form of bigotry and hatred. The company has said it before, and today, I add my voice. I want to reinforce the words that Elizabeth Morrison, our chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, shared with employees last week: “We will always fight gun violence, racism and misogyny, while advocating for cultural change, legislative protections and justice.”

Together, we will continue our work until there is real and lasting change in our communities. We will use our platform and our voice to fight against racism in all its forms. We will continue to back our allyship with actions and dollars, including grants from our company and the Levi Strauss Foundation.

In short, we cannot and will not tolerate anything less than respect and equality for every individual, free of discrimination and hate. If you agree that enough is enough, please join us in standing up against hatred or discrimination in any form.