Racism, Intolerance & the Coronavirus

The coronavirus has disproportionately affected racial, ethnic, and religious minority communities—in unique, intersecting, and interlocking ways—on both sides of the Atlantic. For instance, Asians have been banned from businesses, refused transportation services, physically assaulted, and verbally harassed. Moreover, the public health crisis has resulted in a higher number of fatalities among black and indigenous populations due to pre-existing social inequities. Additionally, the coronavirus has spawned xenophobic laws, policies, and practices targeting immigrants. Furthermore, the pandemic has created fertile ground invigorating anti-Semitic tropes, conspiracy theories, and criminal plots. Lastly, Islamophobic discourse has assumed new contours in recent misinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories.

As nations re-open, these historically marginalized groups require equitable responses, from government officials, civil society actors, and community leaders, that not only address the pandemic’s effects but also the underlying social inequities that inform their daily realities.  Our panel of experts will discuss needed responses including possible strategies, policies, and challenges to eliminating all forms of discrimination and prejudice to ensure equality in a post-pandemic world.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristel Ba at [email protected].