December 30, 2024 – The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) strongly condemns the harassment and physical assault on television news reporter Ja’Ronn Alex in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Alex, of Pacific Islander descent, was verbally harassed and physically assaulted on December 18 by a man who reportedly said, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
This act of violence against a journalist of color, motivated by racial bias, underscores the ongoing threats faced by journalists and individuals from marginalized communities. It highlights how racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, which increased during the pandemic, has led to physical attacks on members of AAPI communities.
AAJA is committed to promoting diversity and advocating for the safety of journalists of all backgrounds. We stand in solidarity with Ja’Ronn Alex and all those who have faced discrimination and violence. AAJA encourages newsrooms to support their AAPI journalists and journalists of color who experience discrimination and harassment.
AAJA urges all journalists to use its guidance and Style Guide when writing about incidents targeting AAPI people and communities. Our website also offers an index of AAPI-centered mental wellness resources.
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ABOUT THE ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION
The Asian American Journalists Association is a professional membership association founded in 1981. Since its founding, AAJA has been at the forefront of change in the journalism industry, advocating for accurate, comprehensive and fair coverage of the AAPI community. We champion the development of AAPI representation and leadership in journalism through trainings, opportunities and resources for our members as well as through nurturing and maintaining a network and community of AAPI journalists globally. Learn more at www.aaja.org or follow us on X @AAJA.
