Federal Communications Commission	DA 21-365


DA 21-365
Released: March 29, 2021

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT
RELEASES STATEMENT CONDEMNING VIOLENCE AGAINST 
ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS

GN Docket No. 17-208

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2021—Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment made the following statement regarding recent violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: 

“The Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE) provides advice and recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intended to identify and remove barriers that prevent historically disadvantaged communities from accessing the full range of opportunities made possible by communications, media, and technology. 
 
“Hateful acts against communities of color have no place in our society. The nationwide increase in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) is unacceptable. The horrendous tragedy in Atlanta is the latest and most detestable act of violence against the AAPI community.  According to Stop AAPI Hate, from March 2020 to February 2021, there have been 3,795 reported hate incidents, including acts of verbal harassment, shunning and avoidance, and physical attacks.  We condemn the acts and words of hate and violence toward a community that is as much a part of the fabric of our nation as any other. The ACDDE expresses full support for the AAPI community and will continue to uplift our goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

“The FCC is required by statute to promote policies that favor diversity of media voices, vigorous economic competition, technological advancement, and promotion of the public interest. The establishment of the ACDDE, and its predecessor diversity advisory committees, helps to ensure that the Commission regulates the communications industry in a manner consistent with its statutory obligations. Thus, a priority of the ACDDE is to identify and address inequities that exist in the marketplace.
 
“As a body of diverse professionals, we proudly serve on the ACDDE to assist the Commission’s effort to expand digital equity and empower diverse communities to spur educational, economic, and civic development. We believe that the protection of constitutional rights and access to full empowerment under the Constitution are necessary and fundamental to a true United States. Our work to develop and implement policies, practices, and processes for universal broadband, diverse workforce and suppliers, and meaningful ownership opportunities for people of color in the communications, media, and technology sectors is more critical than ever. We believe our work gives voice to the voiceless and projects the possibilities offered by a ‘more perfect Union.’ It is our goal to support inclusive and smart solutions that enable all Americans to thrive in a digital world. We look forward to continuing this work with the Commission on these critically important shared goals. 
 
“In this regard, we invite members of the public to continue to engage with the ACDDE in its examination of these issues. Please attend ACDDE meetings, file comments on our work, and feel free to contact us.” 
 
Additional information on the ACDDE is available at our website, https://www.fcc.gov/advisory-committee-diversity-and-digital-empowerment.









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