Dr. C. Aujean Lee, Regional + City Planning Professor, recently published an article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research on government-issued responses to anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article, titled “A Typology of Local and State Government Responses to Racism: A Case of Anti-Asian Hate in the COVID-19 Pandemic,” examines 50 states and 104 of the largest municipalities. Dr. Lee, along with co-author Dr. John Arroyo, found that the majority of jurisdictions issued no response to anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study developed a typology of racist, race-neutral, and anti-racism to categorize the responses that did occur. Of the responses that did occur, they included race-neutral language. The study offers recommendations on how public institutions can develop anti-racist language to protect their constitutents and promote more inclusive and safe communities.
Read the article’s abstract and find a link to the full article below. Congratulations to Dr. Lee on her publication!
Abstract:
We examine local and state government responses to anti-Asian hate during the initial months of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States. Formal state and municipal government statements and websites were examined for fifty states and 104 of the largest municipalities using critical discourse analysis and racial formation theory to understand how government agencies racialized Asian Americans and reacted to their responsibility to address racism. We develop a typology of racist, race-neutral, and anti-racism to categorize the responses. Government statements are important for planners because they affect resident safety and willingness to report hate crimes.
Read Dr. Lee's full article by clicking the link below.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
