New York (March 22, 2021) —The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) condemns the escalating violence directed at and ongoing harassment of Asian Americans. We are deeply saddened by the shootings in the Atlanta area that killed eight people, the majority of whom were women of Asian descent. We stand against discrimination, harassment, prejudice, systemic injustice, and violence targeting any individual for their identity. The AGS is committed to achieving a just society, one where all people are full members of our communities and entitled to equal protection and treatment. We renew our ongoing commitment to working with other stakeholders on preventing firearms from being used intentionally to cause harm.
In the short term, we are heartened by the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 and Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 in the U.S. House of Representatives and call on the Senate to swiftly approve and send these bills to President Biden’s desk for signature.
About the American Geriatrics Society
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals that has—for more than 75 years—worked to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit AmericanGeriatrics.org.