#293 11/18 Meeting; Missing Rena D'Souza; Wary Scientists; SOCA/Lancet; CEIP on Coexistence

In This Issue #293

·       2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

·       Science: "Why Has NIH's Dental Institute Director Been Missing for 6 Months?"

·       WP: Wary and Uncertain Scientists

·       2024 State of Chinese Americans Survey and Letter to Lancet 

·       CEIP: "U.S.-China Relations for the 2030s: Toward a Realistic Scenario for Coexistence"

·       News and Activities for the Communities

2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, November 18, 2024, starting at 1:55 pm ET.  The meeting was moved to avoid conflicts with Election Day.  In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Joanna YangQing Derman, Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Dr. Kai Li, Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are:

·       Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, Founder and Executive Chair, US-China Education Trust

·       Michael Wong, Board Member and Former National Vice President, Veterans for Peace

·       Peter Michelson, Luke Blossom Professor in the School of Humanities & Sciences and Professor of Physics, Stanford University; Steven Kivelson, Prabhu Goel Family Professor and Professor of Physics (invited)

Senator-Elect Andy Kim is invited to give remarks.The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APAJustice - Steven Pei 白先慎, Vincent Wang 王文奎, and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org.*****

Andy Kim made history as the first Asian American from New Jersey elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and now he is set to break new ground once more as the first Korean American in the U.S. Senate. We warmly welcome and congratulate Senator-Elect Andy Kim as he embarks on this exciting and historic journey.As the first Asian American to serve at the rank of U.S. ambassador, Julia Chang Bloch is a trailblazing diplomat with a distinguished career in international relations, academia, and philanthropy.  Ambassador Chang Bloch founded the U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET) to strengthen mutual understanding through conferences, exchanges, and seminars by partnering with Chinese higher education institutions that carry out research in American Studies and teach China’s next generation about the US. Ambassador Chang Bloch will introduce and describe the latest activities of USCET. Veterans for Peace (VFP) is a global organization of military veterans and allies committed to promoting peace and ending war. Founded in 1985, VFP advocates for peaceful solutions to conflicts, addressing issues like nuclear disarmament, veterans’ rights, and the costs of war on communities and the environment. Michael Wong will introduce and describe the latest activities of VFP, including concerns about McCarthyism in Washington and media witch hunt on Chinese Americans. Professors Peter Michelson and Steven Kivelson return to update us on their letter to Congressional leaders opposing the reinstatement of the "China Initiative" and the recent forum on Critical Issues In The US-China Science And Technology Relationship.

Science: "Why Has NIH's Dental Institute Director Been Missing for 6 Months?"

According to Science on November 4, 2024, Rena D'Souza, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), has been on paid administrative leave since April during an investigation into her conduct.  This marks her third disciplinary action by the NIH, following two previous suspensions—for 2 days in December 2022 and 2 weeks in late July and early August 2023. On September 15, 2023, D’Souza filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination based on her sex, race, and national origin, asserting that NIH leaders have unfairly targeted her, possibly to force her resignation.  D’Souza, 69, was born in India and is the first woman of color to direct an NIH institute.D’Souza’s lawsuit also claims that NIH’s investigations stem from complaints regarding her treatment of subordinates, some involving statements about racial diversity, which she contends were misinterpreted. She disputes additional claims, including one alleging intimidation of a subordinate. Meanwhile, a former trainee has defended D’Souza as supportive and kind, though an anonymous ex-employee cited staff dissatisfaction during her tenure.The lawsuit points to NIH’s alleged double standards, noting that a senior NIH official, Robert Eisinger, faced less severe consequences for confirmed discriminatory actions. D’Souza’s leave has been extended through November, but NIH is legally required to report her ongoing status to Congress.

The lawsuit also describes Tabak allegedly berating D’Souza at a large August 17, 2023, meeting of NIH institute and center directors. It says that, during a presentation on diversity, D’Souza volunteered that researchers of Chinese descent in and outside of NIH were feeling stigmatized and targeted by systematic NIH efforts to have scientists investigated for suspected use of NIH grant money on undisclosed work in China. She said NIH should address their concerns.Tabak, the lawsuit states, “showed his discriminatory animus toward Plaintiff by yelling and banging his fist on the table screaming that NIH does not target anyone.” (Tabak later that day sent an email addressed to D’Souza and copied to the other NIH directors. Under the subject line “Mea culpa,” it began: “I am sorry for being so emphatic this morning,” before defending NIH’s approach as colorblind.)This is the statement alleged in the lawsuit:

"On August 17, 2023, Dr. Tabak inappropriately and in a demeaning manner, berated Plaintiff at a meeting which was attended by approximately 60 persons, 30 of whom were present in the room and 30 of whom were virtual. The meeting was attended by all NIH institute and center Directors. At around 9:30 a.m. on that date, during a presentation on diversity, Plaintiff engaged in protected EEO activity by pointing out that researchers of Chinese descent within and outside of NIH were feeling stigmatized and targeted and that NIH should address their concerns.  Tabak showed his discriminatory animus toward Plaintiff by yelling and banging his fist on the table screaming that NIH does not target anyone. This was embarrassing and humiliating for Plaintiff and many of those in the room were shocked. Tabak later sent Plaintiff and the other Directors a disingenuous apology, in which he continued to dispute that Chinese researchers were being targeted and stigmatized."By law, NIH cannot extend employees’ administrative leave indefinitely without informing Congress. The agency was obligated to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees notifying them that D’Souza is on investigative leave, and explaining why. A spokesperson for the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, which authorizes NIH, said it had not received a report as of November 4, 2024.Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/3YEErsb.  Read the legal docket for Dsouza v. Becerra (8:23-cv-02517): https://bit.ly/3UJfmeF

WP: Wary and Uncertain Scientists

According to the Washington Post on November 9, 2024, the return of Donald Trump to the presidency has renewed concerns among scientists who remember his administration’s antagonistic approach to science. His first term was marked by proposed budget cuts for research, climate change denial, and political interference in scientific agencies, leading to protests like the 2017 “March for Science.” Many fear that Trump’s agenda could again threaten funding, research integrity, and environmental policies, especially given the more conservative-leaning Supreme Court and possible full Republican control of Congress.Several scientific organizations are preparing to defend science’s role in government decision-making, with groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists vowing to challenge unqualified appointments to key scientific agencies. Others, like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), adopt a cautious “wait-and-see” approach, hoping to work with officials to maintain science-backed policies. This has become critical as Trump has promised roles to figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose views on vaccines and public health spark concerns among health professionals.In addition, Elon Musk, one of Trump’s allies, may influence his agenda significantly, especially in areas like space exploration and energy technology. Musk has advocated for budget cuts, pushing for fewer government regulations, and promoting human spaceflight goals such as a mission to Mars by 2028, which could shift NASA’s current plans focused on the moon. His influence may shape Trump’s approach to science funding and policy direction, affecting how resources are allocated in key technological sectors.

While scientific funding remained largely intact during Trump’s first term, the broader science community fears a decline in public trust and a polarized view of science itself, exacerbated by Trump’s pandemic responses. Leaders like Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of Science, highlight declining public trust in scientific institutions as COVID-19 became highly politicized. Many scientists are now cautious but hopeful that bipartisan support for science will sustain critical research and prevent a major rollback of scientific advancements.Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/3UN6hRM

2024 State of Chinese Americans Survey and Letter to Lancet 

On October 31, 2024, Committee of 100 and NORC at the University of Chicago unveiled the Full Report for its 2024 State of Chinese Americans (SOCA) study, a survey focused on areas of mental health, political preferences, discrimination, and diversity of the Chinese American population.Titled "Surge of mental health issues of Chinese Americans under both popular and policy-driven racism." a letter authored by Professor Xiang Qi was published in the January 2025 issue of the Lancet.  The letter cited the SOCA survey and highlights the ongoing discrimination faced by Chinese Americans, with 68% reporting regular exposure to prejudice, including verbal insults (27%) and physical threats (21%). This constant discrimination has severely impacted mental health, with high rates of hopelessness, depression, and worthlessness reported by respondents. Additionally, Chinese Americans face discriminatory policies, including the China Initiative and restrictions on property ownership in several states, exacerbating concerns about anti-Chinese rhetoric.Despite efforts to address these issues, 82% of Chinese Americans believe discrimination remains prevalent. The survey calls for better data collection on hate crimes, culturally competent mental health services, and greater awareness among policymakers and media about the detrimental effects of anti-Chinese sentiment on the community’s mental health. Addressing this persistent discrimination is crucial to alleviating the psychological toll on Chinese Americans."The mental health of Chinese Americans is at stake, and the repercussions of inaction could be severe. It is imperative that healthcare providers, policymakers, and society recognize and address the impact of both popular and policy-driven racism. We can alleviate the psychological burden borne by Chinese Americans through concerted efforts to combat discrimination and provide adequate mental health support," the letter to Lancet concluded.Read the letter to the Lancet: https://bit.ly/4hJktoI  Read the 2024 SOCA Survey: https://bit.ly/3YlMTgT

According to the Washington Post on November 10, 2024, Montgomery County Police in Maryland have charged Tiffany Zhang, a 29-year-old with a master’s degree in statistics and specializing in biostatistics, with first-degree murder of her 63-year-old mother, Guichun Hu.  The opening moments of the case signaled the role mental illness may have played in what happened that day — and in the months leading to it.  Tiffany Zhang has been the subject of at least 15 police calls in recent years to check on her welfare. Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/4exxgYU

CEIP: "U.S.-China Relations for the 2030s: Toward a Realistic Scenario for Coexistence"

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) released a report titled "U.S.-China Relations for the 2030s: Toward a Realistic Scenario for Coexistence," as well as a companion short video, in October 2024.According to the report, the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China have created a pessimistic outlook for their future relationship, with some experts suggesting that war could become a possibility within the next decade. To foster a more constructive dialogue, policymakers need a realistic vision of how U.S.-China relations could stabilize. The report presents a more optimistic scenario in which both nations manage their competition predictably and avoid open conflict, similar to the détente between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.The chapters within the report explore various pathways to de-escalation, acknowledging that the future is uncertain but not predetermined. They emphasize the importance of understanding potential futures to develop effective strategies. Contributions from various authors highlight the need for improved communication, recognition of shared interests, and mutual acceptance of norms to foster a more stable relationship.In addition, the chapters discuss the prospects for economic interdependence, the complexities of military dynamics, and the significance of narratives and public perceptions in shaping future interactions. The authors agree that while conflict may intensify, a cooperative and less confrontational approach is feasible. Ultimately, both countries must seek common ground to ensure peace and stability, supported by their allies globally. Recognizing what a more positive future could look like is crucial for steering their relationship in that direction.

Watch the CEIP video: https://bit.ly/3BWbUH2 (3:01). 

News and Activities for the Communities

1. APA Justice Community Calendar

Upcoming Events:2024/11/12 Not Going Back: Civil Rights, Immigration, and Representation in the Next Administration2024/11/12 Threats to International Engagement and Academic Freedom2024/11/12 Beyond the Ballot: A Conversation with Dan Quayle2024/11/13 China's Economic Transformation: Policy, Challenges, & Domestic Impact2024/11/14 The U.S. Elections: What Happened? What's Next?2024/11/14 America's Trust in Science: What's Changed, What's Next?2024/11/14 From Tokyo Rose to The China Initiative2024/11/14 An Advice and Networking Event (Financial Services, Investing and Consulting)2024/11/15 Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Dialogue2024/11/15-17 AAASE Inaugural Summit2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/11/24 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting

Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 

2. Beyond the Ballot: A Conversation With Dan Quayle

WHAT: Beyond the Ballot: A Conversation With Dan QuayleWHEN: November 12, 2024, 4:00 pm ETWHERE: Hybrid in-person and Zoom eventHOST: Baker Institute of Public Policy at Rice UniversitySpeaker: Dan Quayle, 44th U.S. Vice PresidentDESCRIPTION: In the aftermath of the pivotal 2024 U.S. presidential election, the nation faces a defining moment that will significantly influence its political trajectory. While reflecting the deep divisions within the electorate, the outcome will also raise critical questions about the future of governance, party dynamics, and national unity. As the U.S. navigates this pivotal moment, informed analysis and discussion are essential.To provide such insight, Rice's Baker Institute is honored to host the 44th U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. In conversation with Andrew Card, former secretary of transportation and White House chief of staff, they will analyze the aftermath of the presidential election, discuss critical challenges awaiting the incoming administration, and reflect on the state of American politics.REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4hFzwzUFOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/48MkZOH

3. APA Justice Newsletter Web Page Moved to New Website

As part of its continuing migration to a new website under construction, we have moved the Newsletter webpage to https://www.apajusticetaskforce.org/newsletters.  Content of the existing website will remain, but it will no longer be updated. We value your feedback about the new web page. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org.