China News Service, January 28. According to the US "World Journal" report, the proposal of "Apologizing to Chinese Immigrants and Their Descendants" initiated by San Francisco City Councilor Matt Haney was held at the San Francisco City Council Finance Committee on January 26. Unanimously approved by the Budget and Finance committee, the proposal promises to support future budget investments in the AAPI community.

The proposal is similar to actions taken by the cities of Los Angeles, San Jose and Antiac.

　　Yang Chima said that the Chinese community in San Francisco has a deep history, "but we must admit the mistakes our city has made against the Chinese community", and although many injustices occurred long ago, this discrimination is still different today. way continue to happen.

While an apology and budget investment to the community will not obliterate what has been done, it is a necessary step towards addressing violence and discrimination in the Chinese community.

　　In 1860, California's education law prohibited Asian-American students from attending public schools with white students, and in 1870, the San Francisco Unified School District closed Chinese-run schools without offering Chinese students any alternative to public schools.

In addition, the Union Act of 1870 prohibited any Chinese American from being employed in any state, county, city, or other public work, except to punish a crime.

Despite the many contributions Chinese made to society, these laws prevented Chinese from integrating into the local community.

　　A Lowell High School student who spoke at the budget and fiscal hearing on the 26th said that the Chinese community has a long history in San Francisco, and today Chinese Americans make up more than 23% of the city's population. San Francisco must apologize for its historical wrongdoing, in order to make progress in addressing critical issues such as discrimination and racism facing America today.

San Francisco's history of treating the Chinese community is littered with violence and discriminatory policies, and I'm glad that officials like Yang Chima have the courage to stand up to these racist issues and policies.

　　Since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, under the malicious incitement of some politicians, there has been a wave of hatred against Asian Americans across the United States.

According to "Stop AAPI Hate" statistics, from March 19, 2020 to September 30, 2021, a total of 10,370 hate crimes against Asian Americans were recorded, of which hate incidents occurred in 2021. An increase of 55.7% over 2020.

　　In light of these atrocities and ongoing struggles, the AAPI Council of San Francisco is asking the City of San Francisco to commit to a budgetary investment in the AAPI community, with a focus on funding the AAPI community and cultural institutions, said Cally Wong, AAPI Council Operating Director.

The goal of this budget proposal is to increase the capacity and sustainability of AAPI community organizations.

"While we cannot change the past, acknowledging and reflecting on history can provide a way forward to address mistakes and make positive change."

　　City councilor Chen Shimin and others also supported the apology proposal.

Chen Shimin said that, as one of the city's few elected officials of Asian Pacific descent, she will continue to demand that the city take action to honor this apology and its commitment to the Chinese community.

(Li Yi)