The Berkeley Unified School District stands with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and wishes to affirm its commitment to the safety and well-being of Asian American students, staff and community members. At its March 24 meeting, the Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education unanimously ratified a resolution denouncing hate crimes and bigotry targeting the AAPI community.

View the Recording of this Important Community Event!

Hear Us Now: BUSD’S Asian American Community Speaks Out Against Anti-Asian Racism

View the Hear Us Now Panel Recording Here

On May 6, 2021, BUSD’s Asian American community and district leaders held a discussion and reflection on anti-Asian racism with all members of the BUSD community invited.

Moderated by Berkeley School Board Director Ana Vasudeo, aand with panelists including Khatharya Um, Associate Professor, Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies, U.C. Berkeley, as well as parent, teacher and student representatives of BUSD schools, this panel delved into not only the current crisis in the Bay Area and across the country over the past year as cases of anti-Asian racism in the form of discrimination, scapegoating, harassment and violence have skyrocketed, but also the historical roots of hate and racism against people of Asian descent in the U.S. The Panel also discussed how this prevailing racism has impacted Asian American students, families, teachers and staff of BUSD, and how allies can offer support in meaningful ways.

This event was held in partnership with BUSD Superintendent’s Office; BUSD School Board; the BUSD Office of Civil Rights, and a newly-formed group of BUSD AAPI parents, teachers, staff and students. (For more information about this group, please email: busdaapi@gmail.com)

AAPI Reading Lists for All Ages

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in recent years that are devoted to uplifting Asian-American and Pacific Islander history, celebrating heritage, affirming identity, and promoting antiracism. Sharing these books is one part of our effort to develop anti-racist consciousness with and for our youth and ensure they know they are not alone and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry.

BHS Educators Share Anti-AAPI Hate Stories

These videos from our own BUSD teachers are a powerful reminder of the pervasive impact of hate and systemic racism.

I am a Korean-American, first generation, and a proud Asian-American. I was not always able to say that I was a proud Asian-American. A lot of what I heard and experienced growing up made me feel like I shouldn’t be proud.

David An, Counselor at BHS

My sister and I still remember the boy a year older than me, who used to chase us home from school daily (or what felt that way for some time) calling us “Chinese” and yelling his slurs at us…I still remember his face.

Sometimes in front of his own mom, who once suggested to me he had a crush on me: the ways we’ve conditioned ourselves to rationalize the looks, the slights, the slurs, the overt acts of racism.

Saikiko Muranaka, Teacher at BHS

NOTE: these videos may contain racial slurs or references to hate crimes.