#313 Amb. Gary Locke; 3/4 Webinar; FL SB 846 Injunction; NIH Turmoil/Fed Data Integrity; +

In This Issue #313

·       Remarks by Ambassador/Secretary/Governor Gary Locke

·       NFHA Updates; 03/04 Webinar on Alien Land Laws Opens

·       Temporary Injunction Against Florida Discriminatory Law SB846

·       NIH in Turmoil; Federal Data Integrity Threatened

·       News and Activities for the Communities

Remarks by Ambassador/Secretary/Governor Gary Locke

Gary Locke 骆家辉 is Chair of the Committee of 100, former U/S. Ambassador to China, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and former Governor of the state of Washington. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 3, 2025, Ambassador/Secretary/Governor Locke expresses deep concern over the increasing challenges faced by the Asian American community, particularly Chinese Americans, under the current political climate. The worsening U.S.-China relationship has fueled harmful rhetoric, reminiscent of the first Trump administration, with terms like "Wuhan virus" and "Kung flu" leading to a surge in anti-Asian violence. While the U.S. may have legitimate policy disputes with China, Gary emphasizes that such conflicts should not extend to Chinese Americans, who have made significant contributions to the nation for centuries. From building the transcontinental railroad to serving in the military, Chinese Americans have long played an integral role in shaping the country.Despite these contributions, Chinese Americans continue to be treated as perpetual foreigners and unfairly associated with the Chinese government. The Trump administration’s “China Initiative,” which targeted Chinese American scientists under the guise of national security concerns, reinforced harmful stereotypes and subjected many to wrongful prosecution. Although the Biden administration sought to focus on restricting high-tech exports to China for security reasons, Trump’s recent policies suggest a return to broad anti-China rhetoric that unfairly affects Chinese Americans. This includes policies such as banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, suspending foreign aid, and halting humanitarian relief efforts.Economic policies under Trump are also raising concerns, particularly the reintroduction of tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. While Trump claims these tariffs will hold foreign governments accountable, in reality, they function as a tax on American businesses and consumers. Companies like Costco, Target, and Macy’s are forced to absorb these costs, which are then passed on to everyday Americans. Gary highlights that nearly 60% of all shoes sold in the U.S. are imported from China, meaning the financial burden of tariffs disproportionately affects consumers and small businesses. The uncertainty surrounding these economic policies only adds to the challenges faced by Asian American communities.

In addition to economic pressures, there is a troubling resurgence of discriminatory policies at the state level. Many states are now passing laws restricting land ownership by Chinese nationals, a clear throwback to the alien land laws of the early 20th century, which were designed to prevent Asian immigrants from owning property. Coupled with new restrictions on immigration, these policies evoke the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, reinforcing systemic barriers against Chinese Americans. Gary warns that such actions represent a dangerous regression in civil rights, undermining decades of progress toward equality and inclusion.Given these mounting challenges, Gary calls for stronger, more explicit support from government leaders. Elected officials, from governors to members of Congress, must send a clear message that policy disagreements with China do not justify discrimination against Chinese Americans. The community should not have to bear the consequences of geopolitical conflicts between the U.S. and China. Gary stresses that public figures must actively reject xenophobic narratives and affirm the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans across all sectors of society.To combat these growing threats, Gary urges increased vigilance, organization, and collaboration among advocacy groups. Despite past achievements, the fight for equality is far from over, and Asian Americans cannot afford complacency. Gary commends APA Justice for its efforts in documenting and addressing these injustices, emphasizing the need for a unified, strategic approach to advocacy. Without coordination and collective action, the Asian American community risks being marginalized and targeted once again. By working together, organizations can strengthen their influence and ensure that the rights and dignity of Asian Americans are protected.A summary of the February 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. For past monthly meeting summaries, visit https://bit.ly/4hyOV4i

NFHA Updates; 03/04 Webinar on Alien Land Laws Opens

During the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 3, 2025, Scott Chang, Senior Counsel of National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), provided an update on the lawsuit National Fair Housing Alliance, Inc. v. Secretary of Commerce (1:24-cv-21749), which challenges Florida’s SB 264, a law restricting property ownership by individuals from China and six other countries. Filed in May 2024, the lawsuit alleges that SB 264 violates the Fair Housing Act by discriminating on the basis of national origin. Unlike Shen v. Simpson, which focuses on constitutional arguments, this lawsuit emphasizes how SB 264 disproportionately affects individuals from targeted countries and was enacted with discriminatory intent, as evidenced by Governor DeSantis’s statements.NFHA filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida.  It was joined by the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), two Florida-based fair housing organizations, and an Asian American-owned real estate company. The plaintiffs are represented by civil rights law firms and advocacy groups, including the Asian American Justice Center. Florida officials initially sought to transfer the case to the Northern District, where Shen v. Simpson is being heard, but the judge denied the request. However, the case has been stayed pending the Eleventh Circuit’s decision in Shen v. Simpson.Scott highlighted the broader implications of SB 264, emphasizing that such restrictive land ownership laws reflect a troubling trend of targeting immigrant communities, particularly those of Asian descent. The lawsuit aims to set a legal precedent to prevent similar discriminatory policies from undermining fair housing protections across the United States.Civil rights groups are closely monitoring similar legislative efforts in other states, assessing potential legal challenges. Scott reiterated the importance of holding lawmakers accountable for policies that perpetuate discrimination and reaffirmed the commitment of advocacy organizations to ensuring housing equity and protecting the rights of immigrant communities.On March 4, 2025, Scott will continue the discussion as a speaker at a webinar co-hosted by the Committee of 100 and APA Justice:

WHAT: Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American CommunityWHEN: March 4, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm ETWHERE: WebinarHOST: Committee of 100 and APA Justice Opening Remarks: Cindy Tsai, Interim President, Committee of 100Moderator: John D. Trasviña, Former Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentPanelists:

·       Hope Atuel, CEO/Executive Director, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)

·       Scott Chang, Senior Counsel, The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA)

Closing Remarks: Jeremy Wu, Founder and Co-Organizer, APA JusticeDESCRIPTION: With new laws limiting property ownership based on nationality, real estate professionals and advocates are stepping up to challenge these discriminatory policies. This webinar will provide critical insights into how these restrictions are reshaping the housing landscape and what we can do to fight back.  What you will learn:

· Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act – Understand the legal protections in place to combat discrimination.

· How These Laws Affect Asian Homebuyers & Real Estate Professionals – Hear real-world impacts from industry experts.

· Community & Legal Advocacy in Action – Learn how grassroots efforts and legal challenges are pushing back and how you can get involved.

Stay ahead of these evolving legal challenges by exploring Committee of 100’s interactive map, which tracks ongoing land ownership exclusion laws, and APA Justice’s Alien Land Bills webpage, where you will find the latest updates on lawsuits and policy developments.REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3EOqGke

Temporary Injunction Against Florida Discriminatory Law SB846

On February 11, 2025, the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) 华美维权同盟 announced that a federal magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has issued a recommendation stating that SB 846 likely violates the U.S. Constitution and should be temporarily blocked. Florida SB 846 is a state law that restricts public universities and colleges from employing Chinese students, scholars, and researchers, citing national security concerns.  SB846 fosters discrimination against Asian American communities, undermines academic freedom, and hampers scientific progress.This is a significant step forward in the lawsuit Yin v. Diaz (1:24-cv-21129) filed by CALDA, the ACLU, and Perkins Coie on behalf of Chinese students and a professor. The district judge will make the final decision in the coming weeks, and in most cases, such recommendations are upheld.  The enforcement of SB 846 has already harmed Chinese students, some of whom lost research and teaching positions, had their projects canceled, or were forced to leave their programs.Asian Pacific American (APA) organizations led by the Asian American Scholar Forum, United Chinese Americans (UCA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, and APA Justice have been actively opposing Florida's SB 846 by making public statements and advocacy, supporting the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB846, organizing protests and rallies, and providing resources and explainers to inform the public and mobilizing community action and support.  Local organizations such as the Florida Chinese Faculty Association, Graduate Assistants United, The United Faculty of Florida, and University of Florida's Student Senate are among many local groups that have been active and engaged.  These concerted efforts strive to combat SB 846, protect the rights of Asian American communities, and promote equitable academic and professional environments.Read the CALDA announcement in Chinese: https://bit.ly/40UZ0l9.  Read the recommendation Order: https://bit.ly/42UDArg.Attorney Clay Zhu 朱可亮律师, Co-Founder of CALDA, will give an update at the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 3, 2025.

NIH in Turmoil; Federal Data Integrity Threatened

As of February 16, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 74.Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, the number 2 official as the Principal Deputy Director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), abruptly resigned and retired on February 11, 2025.  Dr. Michael Lauer, deputy director of the National Institutes of Health’s extramural research, announced his departure the next day,On February 10, 2025, twenty-two (22) state attorneys general filed a lawsuit, Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10338), against the Trump administration plan to limit how it pays universities and research institutes for “indirect costs” to 15%.  According to NBC News, “This agency action will result in layoffs, suspension of clinical trials, disruption of ongoing research programs, and laboratory closures,” the lawsuit says. “NIH’s extraordinary attempt to disrupt all existing and future grants not only poses an immediate threat to the nation’s research infrastructure, but will also have a long-lasting impact on its research capabilities and its ability to provide life-saving breakthroughs in scientific research.” On February 14, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley, a U.S. district judge, granted the attorneys generals' request for a temporary restraining order, ordering the agencies not to take any steps to implement, apply or enforce the new policy. Judge Kelley set an in-person hearing for February 21.Two additional lawsuits have been filed at the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts against the NIH plan -  Association of American Universities v. Department of Health & Human Services (1:25-cv-10346) and Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10340) On January 30, 2025, U.S. Census Bureau Director Dr. Robert Santos announced his resignation mid-way through his five-year term.  He was sworn in as the bureau’s 26th director, and its first Hispanic leader, in 2022.  His last day was February 14, 2025.

According to NPR on February 12, 2025, the Census Bureau removed access to key data following President Trump's executive order targeting gender identity, raising concerns over political interference and data censorship.  The order, issued on January 20, led to a temporary shutdown of the bureau’s website and the removal of webpages related to research on gender identity and sexual orientation. Federal agencies, including the Census Bureau, were directed to eliminate materials promoting “gender ideology,” a term often used by opponents of transgender rights. This abrupt action disrupted public access to critical demographic data, hindered internal operations, and left employees unable to access essential platforms. Despite public outcry, the bureau has yet to provide an official explanation, fueling concerns about the integrity and independence of federal data collection.In response, over 230 organizations, led by the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics (COPAFS), the American Statistical Association, and the Population Association of America, issued a letter urging Congress to "demand the complete restoration of any federal data that have been removed" and work with the administration to "prevent any future purge or removal of data from federal agency websites and portals."  Read the COPAFS letter on Protecting Public Access to Federal Data: https://bit.ly/41h0BTJAdvocates warn that suppressing data on gender identity effectively erases LGBTQ+ populations and undermines civil rights protections, including efforts to combat hate crimes. Experts argue that decades of research into measuring gender identity could be lost, reversing progress made in ensuring accurate representation in federal statistics. Lawmakers, including Democratic Representatives Mark Takano, Jamie Raskin, and Gerry Connolly, have called for an immediate halt to the executive order’s implementation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing transgender individuals in government data. Researchers and librarians have begun independent efforts to preserve the missing data, but concerns remain that the government’s actions set a dangerous precedent for political interference in public information. Experts also warn that the outright deletion of government records could have legal ramifications, as the destruction of certain federal data may constitute a criminal offense.

News and Activities for the Communities

1. APA Justice Community Calendar

Upcoming Events:2025/02/18 Protecting Our Organizations: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Compliance Virtual Training2025/02/23 World Premier of "Quixotic Professor Qiu" with Xiaoxing Xi2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/03/04 Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details.

2. Lunar New Year Celebrations in San Francisco

San Francisco’s Chinese New Year parade drew massive crowds on February 15, 2025, reinforcing its status as a premier celebration in the Bay Area Asian community, according to AsAmNews, KTVU-2, San Francisco Standard, and multiple media reports.  Acclaimed Chinese American actress and longtime San Francisco resident Joan Chen served as grand marshal, kicking off the festivities at sunset by lighting firecrackers at Union Square. The parade featured nearly 100 floats and performance groups, including an enormous dragon carried by approximately 110 people, not including side support.Newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie participated as honorary grand marshal, and the parade stretched roughly one mile. "Welcome to the best Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia," declared San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. "The oldest, most historic, and most amazing Chinatown in the United States is right here in San Francisco!" 

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APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community.  For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org.  We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org.