Discrimination experienced among Asian/Asian American students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Objective: With the increasing incidents of discrimination toward Asian and Asian Americans (A/AA) in the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explored A/AA university students' lived experiences of discrimination during this time and their reactions toward discrimination. Participants: Ten A/AA university students from a major research university in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States participated in the study. Methods: We utilized a phenomenology approach in this study. Results: Two primary structural themes were identified: (1) examples of discrimination and (2) personal reactions to discrimination and microaggression. Conclusion: A/AA university students experienced overt/open discrimination and microaggression amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Their responses to discrimination and microaggressions highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19-related anti-Asian racism. Implications for university personnel were also discussed.