Student-Led Novato Community Group Condemns Anti-Asian Hate

NOVATO, CA — A Novato community group issued a statement Friday condemning the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence and affirmed its support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Not In Our Town, which is modeled after a national effort to stop hate, is partnering with the city, the Novato Unified School District and the Police Department to build a more inclusive community, said “stands with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in grief and in solidarity against racist violence and the everyday attacks that are occurring in our country and communities.”

NIOT’s statement followed the Atlanta spa attacks that killed eight people including six Asian women. Law enforcement officials have not concluded that the incident is a hate crime.

There have been nearly 3,800 hate attacks against Asian people in the last year according to the group Stop AAPI Hate.

“While the numbers are jolting, the incidents are heartbreaking and sickening as news reports and videos show our AAPI community attacked for a baseless stigma linking to Covid-19,” NIOT’s statement said.

“With three out of four Asian Americans nationwide fearful over experiencing hate crimes, harassment, and discrimination, the threat of hate to the security of our communities is clear.”

The group is call on the Novato community to stand with its AAPI neighbors.

NIOT is asking that anyone witnessing anti-Asian racism, to file a report.

“Let’s make the problem visible so we can visibly and concretely respond,” the group said.

An online hate incident reporting form can be filed through the Novato Police Department here.

Such incidents can also be reported to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office’s Hate Crime Hotline by calling (415) 473-2585.

For those not comfortable contacting law enforcement a report can also be filed through Stop AAPI Hate or by emailing NIOT Novato at niotnovato@gmail.com.

The group is also asking community members to offer support to Asian friends and neighbors.

Support can also be displayed by hanging a poster or banner people can create on their own or print that includes the hashtag #StopAAPIHate.

NIOT encourages residents to share any actions they take in support of the AAPI community on its Facebook page or by emailing the group at niotnovato@gmail.com.

“Let us add our voices to uplift, support, and speak up for all people targeted by hate,” NIOT said.

“We can stop hate. Together.”

Correction: NIOT Novato is a local community movement modeled after a national effort to stop hate. A previous version of this article described NIOT Novato as a student-run group.