Anti-Asian hate crimes within the U.S. increased by 150% in 2020.

The dramatic increase is due to many factors, however, experts have pointed out the Trump administration’s hateful comments pertaining to Covid-19.

Phrases like the “China virus” and “kung flu” were used, and they dehumanize Asians and frame them as viruses or foreign invaders.

As Anti-Asian hate crimes increase, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) students have felt more compelled to speak out and voice their concern.

“There’s way too many hate crimes happening to name, but I’m aware of the constant hate and violence that the Asian community is facing,” sophomore Kden Prakide said. “Especially with elders, the AAPI community doesn’t deserve what’s happening to us right now, and it should be stopped immediately.”

Fear has become rampant within the community.

“I feel scared sometimes whenever my relatives go out because they might end up in the hospital or not come home,” junior Jasmine Sengsouvanh said. “I see everything so differently now.”

The mass shooting in Atlanta, in which six of the eight people murdered were Asian Americans — Xiaojie Tan, Delaina Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Daoyou Feng, Yong Ae Yue, Hyung Jung Grant, Soon Chung Park and Suncha Kim.

This hate crime does not shock junior Amelia Phommachanh.

“Racism has just become more visible now,” she said. “Like, when I was younger, I would get made fun of all the time for being Asian. People would say that I’m going to go eat somebody’s dog and stuff like that.”

Since these hate crimes are only seen on TV or social media, it doesn’t seem real sometimes. However for Asians, it is an everyday struggle.

“One time I was walking in the mall and somebody said to me, ‘you are the reason for the virus,” Phommachanh said. “Like, I didn’t even know them. She called me a virus just because I’m Asian.”

AAPI students often are left feeling hopeless in the face of adversity.

“I don’t know what we will do to stop these crimes,” Prakide said.

Sophomore Vy Nguyen, the founder and director of The Asian Roots organization, says that there is some things that the AAPI community and allies can do.

“For the AAPI community, let yourself cope,” Nguyen said. “Then when you’re ready, let your anger fuel you. Don’t apologize or diminish your anger. For our allies, please listen to AAPI voices, learn from them, and apply what you learn.”

Freshman Daniel Bui added: “During this time we need to have each other’s backs. We need to protect our elders and each other.”