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DEI Read & Learn

Resources for learning more about diversity, equity & inclusion topics, from the library's DEI Committee

COVID-19, Race and Racism

This page includes selected resources for learning the facts about COVID-19, including its disproportionate impact on people of color, and provides information on interrupting related racisms, microaggressions, and xenophobia aimed at people of color and other marginalized communities. Let us know if you have suggestions for additional resources.

NOTE: This content was taken offline in May 2023 and is no longer being updated.

Portions of the guide are being kept here privately for archival purposes. --Susan Vega García


COVID-19 racism is anti-Chinese and anti-Asian scapegoating and xenophobic reactions, including fear, exclusion, harassment, microaggressions, and other racist behaviors related to the COVID-19 public health epidemic.

  • Also includes inappropriate "jokes," innuendos, suggestions that any/all Chinese and members of other Asian communities are responsible for or suspected of having this illness and should be avoided.

    pointing hand  Whether "intended" to be hurtful or not, the reality is that the impact of these sorts of "jokes" is very hurtful and helps spread misinformation.

Note: This box is copied on numerous guides. For more info on coronavirus racism and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and other marginalized groups, see our full COVID-19, Race, and Racism guide.

SELECTED RESOURCES on COVID-19 Racism and Tools for Interrupting It

Here are a few helpful resources focused on facts and on recognizing & addressing racism and microaggressions related to COVID-19i. There is a rapidly growing body of literature on this emerging topic.

Note: This box is copied on numerous guides. For more info on coronavirus racism and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and other marginalized groups, see our full COVID-19, Race, and Racism guide.

SELECTED BOOKS: History of Anti-Asian Racism & Exclusion

Sadly, there is a whole history of exclusion of the Chinese people and other Asian communities from the US, as well as exclusionary treatment within the US. Here are a few books on those topics. 

COVID-19 and Race & Ethnicity

Updating of this list of news articles discontinued after June 2020.

Recent data show that communities of color are at much higher risk of being infected and dying from COVID-19. Social impacts to these communities may also differ. Here are recent articles and data on these important emerging topics.

Iowa Communities

National Communities