A sign inside of the chiropractor’s office in New Jersey referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus”. A photo was taken of the sign and then uploaded to social media.
What We Know:
- A mother, Annesia Paraison, and 17-year-old daughter Nala were visiting the chiropractor’s office of Kevin Julian for the first time. Nala pointed out the sign which read: “Dear Patients: During this time period of the Chinese Virus, please observe the six (6) foot rule of social distancing. Only two (2) people should be waiting in the reception room.” Paraison took a picture of it and they left.
- These two ladies are black and they felt like this statement was racist. According to Yahoo News, the photograph was shared on the Instagram page of Jersey City Women of Color, where commenters have condemned it and tried to bring it to the attention of local and state officials.
- Paraison said that when she asked Nala what made her want to leave the chiropractor’s office, her daughter responded: “If the doctor can be that bold, there’s no way I would feel comfortable.” Nala’s mother is proud that she wouldn’t tolerate anything that’s racist towards her or anyone else.
- The chiropractor’s office was contacted and he declined to give a comment about the sign.
- This doctor’s office isn’t the first place to use the term “Chinese virus”. According to NBC News, President Donald Trump has faced criticism for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus”. He told reporters in March that he does not consider the remark racist.
- Paraison says that she felt it was necessary to share this image online and to spread awareness. “I feel like we have to call these things out because unfortunately, the political climate and the president have made people feel very comfortable expressing racism,” she said.
Other patients of this doctor’s office are now more aware of the racial actions that they take. It’s up to them to decide if they would still like to take part in it.
