Man says racial slur on personalized license plate should not have been approved

ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - A personalized Missouri license plate bearing a derogatory term toward Asians is drawing criticism.

James, a second-generation Asian American, said seeing the license plate brought back painful memories.

“I was constantly called that word. And so growing up was kind of tough at times,” James said. “During COVID-19, I started hearing a lot of it. You know, kind of blaming Chinese-Americans and not even Chinese-Americans, Asian-Americans altogether for what happened during that time.”

James told KMOV that he was shocked and disappointed to see the word on a personalized plate.

“I just was just so surprised how such a hate word, how such a racial slur would be allowed and how it even got slipped by the Department of Revenue,” James said.

The Missouri Department of Revenue told KMOV that the plate went through a three-tier review system.

“All personalized plates are vetted through a three-tier review system, the last step includes a review by our legal department. Because a license plate is limited in the number of characters, applicants often use a part of their first or last name – as is the case here. Perhaps the first step for anyone who may be offended by someone’s personalized plate would be to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with their concern,” the department said in a statement.

Very Asian Foundation board member Claire Nipper said it is “understandable that someone would be shocked and disappointed to see this highly derogatory and racist word on a government-issued license plate.”

“We recognize that some people may not be aware of the deeply derogatory history of the word and the harm it has caused Asian American communities. We hope this can be a learning moment for those who may not know that history, and for the MDOR to ensure greater awareness and care moving forward,” Nipper said.

James said he will file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Revenue about the license plate.