The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is aware of reports of racial and ethnic discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since this outbreak started, Asian members of both our own surgical community and the public at large continue to experience bias. We strongly condemn these actions.

COVID-19 does not discriminate. It affects all people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or geographic location. Discrimination of any kind is antithetical to the mission of any health care professional. We were drawn to this profession to serve all patients.

The ACS supports all health care personnel who provide essential services in our communities at this time and maintains that they should be able to continue to do so without the specter of hatred and violence resulting from xenophobia, racism, and bigotry. We also encourage you to discuss any discriminatory acts you witness at any time to your institution’s leadership and to the ACS.