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#309 TX New Year; Trump Order Blocked; Senate Hearing; Town Hall/Webinars/Training; Science

In This Issue #309

·       Texas Officially Recognizes Lunar New Year

·       NYT: Temporary Order Blocks Trump's Directive

·       Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on "Malign PRC Influence"

·       ACLU Town Hall; Webinars for Feds; Training for Non-Profits

·       Trump Administration Upends U.S. Science

·       News and Activities for the Communities

Texas Officially Recognizes Lunar New Year


 

On January 29, 2025, the Texas House of Representatives officially recognized Lunar New Year, highlighting its significance across various Asian cultures. Representative Gene Wu emphasized the inclusivity of the term "Lunar New Year," noting that the celebration is widely observed.Joining Wu, Representative Angie Chen Button shared traditions associated with the holiday, advising to wear one's best outfit, enjoy good food, and avoid working too hard on that day. Representative Hubert Vo highlighted the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, urging members to "adapt to these new times, renew our commitment to the people of Texas, and seek wisdom with all our endeavors." The resolution's adoption underscores Texas's recognition of its diverse cultural heritage and the importance of inclusivity.Resolution 52 was introduced by Reps. Gene Wu, Angie Chen Button, Hubert Vo, Salman Bhojani, and Suleman Lalani.  Read the AsAmNews report: https://bit.ly/3Q3wfhj

NYT: Temporary Order Blocks Trump's Directive  


 

According to the New York Times, on Januay 31, 2025, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the Trump administration to keep taxpayer dollars flowing to 22 Democratic-leaning states for all congressionally approved government programs, including those that could run afoul of President Trump’s ideological tests.The 13-page decision is a temporary but significant victory for the Democratic attorneys general from those states and the District of Columbia, who sued the administration in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The order applies only to the states that filed the lawsuit.  In that sense, it may create a divide between Democratic states that will continue to have funds flowing and Republican states that will still face uncertainty.The order requires the administration not to “pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate” taxpayer money already allocated by Congress.  Judge McConnell did not specify an expiration date, which adds an obstacle to Mr. Trump’s plans to aggressively reshape the government around his own agenda.  Another federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued an earlier administrative stay on Tuesday blocking the initial order from the White House Office of Management and Budget to freeze as much as $3 trillion in federal money while the review for ideological compliance continued. That stay was set to expire on February 3, 2025.The Trump administration has sent conflicting signals about the freeze, rescinding the memo that ordered it but signaling that the review of the ideological tilt of previously funded federal programs would continue.“This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze,” the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said on January 29, in a social-media post that was introduced as evidence in the lawsuit. She added that the president’s executive orders “on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”Judge McConnell’s order countermanded that claim, calling out Leavitt’s statement and requiring the Trump administration not to reintroduce the freeze “under any other name or title.”Read the New York Times report: https://nyti.ms/3Cl0AEY 

 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on "Malign PRC Influence"

 

 

On January 30, 2025, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing titled "The Malign Influence of The People's Republic of China at Home and Abroad: Recommendation for Policy Makers."  The Committee is chaired by Senator Jim Risch (R-ID).  The Ranking Member is Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).Four witnesses testified at the hearing:

·       Peter Mattis, President, The Jamestown Foundation, Washington, D.C. (testimony)

·       Jeffrey Stoff; Founder, Center for Research Security and Integrity, Herndon, VA (testimony)

·       Melanie Hart, Senior Director, Global China Hub, Atlantic Council, Washington, D.C. (testimony)

·       Jennifer Lind, Associate Professor of Government, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH (testimony)

According to a video posted at https://bit.ly/3PZYY6M, the hearing covered a wide-ranging issues on the malign influence of China.  Senator Risch was particularly focused on purported malign Chinese influence on American higher education campuses.  He said at one point, "the Chinese students are not studying ancient Greek history, they're here with the STEMs and the national security issues and everything else.  And each and everyone of them, whether they like it or not, is an agent of the Chinese Communist Party. When they go back, we all know they get debriefed and any information they've garnered here in the United States becomes the property of the Chinese Communist Party."This offensive statement perpetuates the harmful stereotype of Asians—specifically Chinese students—as perpetual foreigners by unfairly assuming disloyalty based solely on national origin, reinforcing xenophobic narratives that have historically led to discrimination, exclusion, and government overreach. It echoes past rhetoric about "non-traditional collectors," the "thousand grains of sand" theory, and "fifth columns"—all of which have repeatedly been debunked. While national security concerns are legitimate, addressing them requires evidence-based policies, not sweeping generalizations that stigmatize an entire group. The U.S. thrives on openness, academic exchange, and attracting global talent—values that must not be undermined by fear-driven rhetoric.

As part of her comment at the hearing, Melanie Hart stated,"we need a scalpel for this and not a sledgehammer.  It is in US national interest to keep the pipeline for student exchange open.  We are in a pitched battle for global tech supremacy."As part of her written testimony, Jennifer Lind said, "let me conclude by noting that as we formulate our responses to Chinese malign influence operations, U.S. leaders should be thinking not only about this negotiation with Beijing, but also about whether our responses uphold our own values. Among our people number millions of Chinese American citizens. We find ourselves in a complex situation in that our adversary is already – at this early stage and in peacetime – harassing and coercing good Americans to work against their country on its behalf. "As U.S. leaders evaluate policy responses to Chinese operations, it’s helpful to think about similar situations in the history of U.S. national security policy, and to ask ourselves what we got right and wrong. U.S. leaders should have this conversation (as indeed the Committee is doing today) with members of America’s free and vibrant civil society: which sets us apart from authoritarian rivals and indeed is one of our country’s strengths. "In World War II, the U.S. government imprisoned Japanese American citizens in camps in violation of the U.S. Constitution. In the Cold War, the Red Scare of McCarthyism violated the rights and ruined the lives of many people. The aftermath of September 11, 2001 in some ways offers a more optimistic example. President George W. Bush made it crystal clear to Americans that we were not fighting a war against Islam, but against a terrorist group that had twisted Islam’s teachings. This kind of strong leadership was essential then and is essential today. "It is important for Americans to recognize that in the security competition with China lurk not only geopolitical dangers, but dangers to our people and values. As that competition becomes more intense, and as we get frustrated that an authoritarian society is exploiting our free one, while we protect ourselves against Chinese influence operations in the ways recommended here, we must also honor our own values."

 

ACLU Town Hall; Webinars for Feds; Training for Non-Profits


 

WHAT: ACLU Town Hall: Fightinh Trump's First AttacksWHEN: February 4, 2025, 4:30 pm ET/1:30 pm PTWHERE: Virtual eventHOST: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)DESCRIPTION: The town hall will focus on the ACLU's response to the Trump administration's very first actions in office, including attempts to end birthright citizenship, shut down the southern border to asylum seekers, ban health care for transgender youth, and dismantle the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The speakers will provide key insights into the ACLU's response to the Trump administration, from litigation to advocacy and grassroots organizing, as well as the crucial role states and cities have to play in protecting our freedoms. Importantly, more than just a briefing, the town hall will be a space for community and solidarity as we work to defend our democracy and advance the fight for justice and equality.REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4hwsZa4*****


WHAT: Federal Employee Explainer SeriesHOST: Partnership for Public ServiceWHERE: Webinar seriesWHEN: 1. February 4, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET.  What if my employment status changes?Description: Understanding reductions in force (RIF), probationary periods and administrative leave2. February 6, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET.  What are my rights as an employee?Description: Understanding employee rights and appeals: adverse actions, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and termination of employment3. February 10, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET.  What are my whistleblower rights?Description: Learn about whistleblower and anti-retaliation laws4. February 12, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET.  How might my benefits be affected?Description: Examining the impact of the recent executive orders on federal employee benefitsABOUT THE SERIES: 

 

·       All sessions will be hosted via Zoom webinar.

·       All sessions will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube channel.

·       You will not be required to share your email or name when you join the session.

·       Hosts and panelists will be on camera. Participants will not have the ability to show themselves on camera.

·       Chat will be disabled, but you will be able to send questions anonymously through the platform.

 

REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4gnnA3S*****

WHAT: Protecting Our Organizations: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Compliance Virtual TrainingWHEN: February 18, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm ETWHERE: Virtual eventHOST: Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AADELF), New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI), and Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLPDESCRIPTION: The training will discuss important steps that 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations can take regarding tax-exempt compliance and other practices to better protect themselves from audits or investigations that interfere with their ability to defend vulnerable communities. The training is intended for leadership (e.g., Executive Directors and Board members) and finance staff. Please email cjiang@aaldef.org with any questions.REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/42FaITu

 

Trump Administration Upends U.S. Science

 

 

According to Science on January 30, 2025, President Donald Trump’s new administration quickly issued a flurry of executive orders and other decisions, some with big implications for research and global health, sowing worry and confusion among many scientists.Grants Roller Coaster. The White House proposed but quickly rescinded an order to freeze large portions of federal spending, including research grants, based on alignment with Trump’s executive orders. The directive faced public backlash and was temporarily blocked by a judge. Despite its withdrawal, agencies must still comply with orders banning support for programs tied to “Marxist equity,” transgender issues, and Green New Deal policies. Critics warn this could politicize science and severely impact NIH-funded research.  Banning Gender.  A new executive order bans the use of “gender” in government publications, defines gender as strictly male or female, and prohibits funding for grants promoting “gender ideology.” Researchers fear NIH grants studying nonbinary health could be canceled. At least 400 such grants, totaling $235 million, are at risk, with nearly half focused on HIV/AIDS and many on transgender youth.DEI Demolition.  An executive order ended government programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), halting university initiatives aimed at recruiting underrepresented minorities for the scientific workforce. U.S. research agencies canceled existing grants and future solicitations, impacting not only racial diversity but also support for disabled or economically disadvantaged researchers. The order labels DEI efforts as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.” Some scientists plan to continue their work without using DEI language to avoid the crackdown, despite government calls for whistleblowers to report such actions.NIH Whiplash.  The Trump administration imposed a halt on external communications, travel, purchases, and new experiments by NIH employees for a review, a move more extensive than similar past actions. Researchers were concerned this could disrupt in-house research, clinical trials, and the agency’s management of external grants. A few days later, acting Director Matthew Memoli outlined exceptions to the "pause," allowing for review and prioritization by the new team.

 

AI Do-Over.  Trump's executive order nullified Biden's October 2023 plan to promote safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence, arguing it would hinder innovation and impose excessive government control. Trump has directed aides to develop a new plan within 180 days to boost economic competitiveness, national security, and maintain U.S. leadership in AI.HIV Help at Risk.  Trump's administration paused all foreign assistance for an 85-day review, potentially disrupting the timely distribution of lifesaving anti-HIV drugs to 21 million people in 55 countries through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. This program relies on contractors from the U.S. and other nations to manage funds.Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/3Q23EsG*****

According to Wired on January 31, 2025, the damage to federal medical research is already done.  The Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for research has disrupted vital medical studies, including clinical trials and grants for diseases like cancer and diabetes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), which disperses $48 billion annually, has halted grant applications and reviews, leading to fears of a mass brain drain as researchers seek stable employment. While the freeze might end soon, the damage, including potential long-term impacts on public health and innovation, is already evident. This pause could undermine the U.S.'s global leadership in medical research.Read the Wired report: https://bit.ly/42DbdgV

 

 

News and Activities for the Communities

 

1. APA Justice Community Calendar

 

 

Upcoming Events:2025/02/04 ACLU Town Hall: Fighting Trump's First Attacks2025/02/04 Federal Employees: What if my employment status changes?2025/02/06 Federal Employees: What are my rights as an employee?2025/02/10 Federal Employees: What are my whistleblower rights?2025/02/12 Federal Employees: How might my benefits be affected?2025/02/13 China Initiative: Impacts and Implications2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/18 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 MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details.

 

2. Chinese American Family Lost in DC Plane Crash

According to the New York Times on February 1, 2025, Kaiyan MaoYu Zhou, and their 16-year-old son Edward, a promising 16-year-old figure skater, a rising figure skating talent, were among those killed in the mid-air collision over the Potomac River. The Northern Virginia family had been deeply involved in Edward’s academic and skating pursuits, leaving an immense void in their community. Edward had been returning from a U.S. Figure Skating camp when the crash claimed 64 passengers and three crew members, including his close friend Cory Haynos and his parents. As investigators search for answers, Fairfax mourns, with tributes filling Edward’s school and home. His coach, Kalle Strid, remembered the family's unwavering support, saying, “They were not over the top, but they were always there.”

 

3. China Initiative: Impacts and Implications

 

 

WHAT: “CHINA INITIATIVE:” Law, Science & U.S.-China Relations under the Trump AdministrationWHEN: February 13, 2025, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm ETWHERE: Lunch Talk, WCC; 2012 Classroom, Harvard Law SchoolHOST: China Law Association, Harvard Law School DESCRIPTION: The "China Initiative," launched under the Trump administration, led to investigations targeting Chinese American scientists, including the high-profile case of MIT Professor Gang Chen. As discussions about its potential revival emerge, this talk will explore the initiative's far-reaching legal and social consequences, its impact on the scientific community, and what its return could mean for U.S.-China relations. Join us to engage with leading experts on this timely and crucial issue. Lunch will be served. Sponsored by China Law Association. For more information, please contact Ying Zhou at yzhou@jd25.law.harvard.eduREGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/42FaITu 

# # #

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.

February 4, 2025

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