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Turab Lookman 特拉伯·鲁克曼 Docket ID: 1:19-cr-01439 District Court, D. New Mexico Date filed: May 22, 2019 Date ended: September 10, 2020 Overview On May 22, 2019, Dr. Turab Lookman was indicted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on three counts of making false statements. Dr. Lookman moved from India to the U.K. at age 13 and later earned a doctorate in theoretical physics from King’s College, University of London. He spent around 20 years as a professor at a Canadian university before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico. He became a U.S. citizen in 2008. Dr. Lookman was recognized as a Laboratory Fellow, one of LANL’s highest awards for its scientific staff. He co-authored over 250 scientific papers and two books. He received LANL's Fellows Prize for Outstanding Research in 2009 and the Distinguished Postdoctoral Mentor Award in 2016. He was terminated from LANL following his arrest. Dr. Lookman was charged with falsely denying his involvement with China's Thousand Talents Program, facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each false statement to federal investigators. Dr. Lookman’s contact with China came partly through the lab’s collaboration with that country on research projects, such as one aimed at discovering new materials that could support nuclear deterrence and the lab’s energy work. In June 2019, a month after Dr. Lookman’s indictment, the Department of Energy issued an order barring department staff and contractors from involvement in a foreign government's talent recruitment program. Federal prosecutors characterized Dr. Lookman as a serious national security threat due to his high-level security clearance, which granted him access to critical facilities and highly sensitive nuclear secrets. They claimed he "had no loyalty to the U.S." Dr. Lookman's lawyer argued that prosecutors exaggerated his access to classified information, asserting that there was no evidence he had unlawfully obtained or intended to share nuclear weapons secrets with any foreign government. Dr. Lookman initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but In January 2020, he accepted a plea agreement to one count of making a false statement with dismissal of the other two charges. On September 11, 2020, Dr. Lookman was sentenced to five years of probation and a $75,000 fine for providing a false statement to the Department of Energy. He was not allowed to leave New Mexico for the term of his probation. Previous Item Next Item

Timeline Back to China Initiative Prev Next Table of Contents Overview FBI Director’s Profiling Approach NIH’s Own “China Initiative” Criminalizing China The Ethnic Targeting of Chinese Scientists Links and References Overview On November 1, 2018, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Session announced the launch of the China Initiative to combat national security threats and economic espionage emanating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “This Initiative will identify priority Chinese trade theft cases, ensure that we have enough resources dedicated to them, and make sure that we bring them to an appropriate conclusion quickly and effectively.” Sessions said. President Donald Trump fired Sessions less than a week later, but the China Initiative remained in operation for 1,210 days until it was ended by the Joe Biden Administration on February 23, 2022. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had no definition of what constitutes a China Initiative case. DOJ created an online report on what it considered to be Chinese Initiative cases. The online report was last updated on November 19, 2021, three months before the initiative officially ended. According to MIT Technology Review , there have been 77 known China Initiative cases impacting 162 individuals. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the cases, MIT Technology Review concluded that the initiative had increasingly charged academics with “research integrity” issues. Nearly 90% of the defendants charged were of Chinese heritage, lending credence to wide-spread allegations that scientists and researchers of Chinese origin were racially profiled and targeted under the China Initiative despite denials by the government. The DOJ China Initiative cases included only indictments and prosecutions. It did not include investigations or surveillance by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and other federal law enforcement agencies and grant agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH ran its own China Initiative. By March 23, 2023, a year after the official end of the China Initiative, NIH’s own “China initiative” had upended hundreds of lives and destroyed scores of academic careers. In contrast to the very public criminal prosecutions of academic scientists under the China Initiative, NIH’s version was conducted behind closed doors. FBI Director’s Profiling Approach The first thunder of the New Red Scare came on February 13, 2018, when FBI Director Christopher Wray testified in a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing and targeted all students, scholars and scientists of Chinese origin as a national security threat to the United States. Wray responded to a question in the hearing, “I think in this setting I would just say that the use of nontraditional collectors, especially in the academic setting, whether it’s professors, scientists, students, we see in almost every field office that the FBI has around the country. It’s not just in major cities. It’s in small ones as well. It’s across basically every discipline.” Asian American advocates were outraged by Wray’s presumption that every Chinese professor, scientist, and student was guilty of collecting intelligence for the Chinese government until proven innocent. Conflating the stereotype of “perpetual foreigners” and the loyalty of Asian Americans to the United States, Wray pledged to pursue a “whole-of-society” approach to address the threat of China. His use of the term “non-traditional collectors” for spies parallelled “thousand grains of sand” during the prosecution of Dr. Wen Ho Lee and “fifth column” in referral to Japanese Americans during World War II. Qian Xuesen, also known as Hsue-shen Tsien, a founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, became a victim of the Second Red Scare during the Cold War era, facing accusations of “communist sympathies” despite his contributions to American scientific advancement. Fourteen Asian American community organizations wrote to Wray on March 1, 2018, and called for “an opportunity to discuss how well-intentioned public policies might nonetheless lead to troubling issues of potential bias, racial profiling, and wrongful prosecution.” Wray never responded to the letter. References and Links Wikipedia: Qian Xuesen 2020/02/02 The Intercept: The FBI’s China Obsession - The U.S. Government Secretly Spied on Chinese American Scientists, Upending Lives and Paving the Way for Decades of Discrimination 2019/12/31 Bloomberg: As China Anxiety Rises in U.S., Fears of New Red Scare Emerge 2019/07/20 New York Times: A New Red Scare Is Reshaping Washington 2018/03/23 Huffington Post: FBI Director Defends Remarks That Chinese People In U.S. Pose Threats 2018/03/08 Washington Post Opinion: America’s new — and senseless — Red Scare 2018/03/01 14 Coalition Organizations: Coalition letter to FBI Director Wray 2018/03/01 Committee of 100: Community Organizations Call for Meeting with FBI Director Christopher Wray Regarding Profiling of Students, Scholars, and Scientists with Chinese Origins 2018/02/27 Asia Times: FBI director’s grave mistake on targeting Chinese-Americans 2018/02/16 纽约都市新闻网: 华裔议员严厉谴责Rubio和Wray针对中国学生的极端言论 2018/02/15 CAPAC: CAPAC Members on Rubio and Wray’s Remarks Singling Out Chinese Students as National Security Threats 2018/02/14 Inside Higher Ed: The Chinese Student Threat? 2018/02/13 Advancing Justice | AAJC: FBI Director’s Shock Claim: Chinese Students Are a Potential Threat 2018/02/13 U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence: Hearing on Global Threats and National Security 2016/05/25 60 Minutes: Collateral Damage 2015/05/10 New York Times: Accused of Spying for China, Until She Wasn’t 2000/09/14 New York Times: Statement by Judge in Los Alamos Case, With Apology for Abuse of Power . 1999/12/11 Washington Post: China Prefers the Sand to the Moles 1964/02/02 New York Times: F.B.I. Chief Warns of Red China Spies NIH’s Own “China Initiative” According to the Science Magazine, Francis Collins, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sent a missive to more than 10,000 institutions on August 20, 2018, asserting that "threats to the integrity of U.S. biomedical research exist" and highlighted the failure to disclose "substantial resources from other organizations, including foreign governments." Collins wrote that "in the weeks and months ahead you may be hearing from [NIH] regarding … requests about specific … personnel from your institution." Dubbed as NIH’s own “China Initiative,” NIH began sending letters to dozens of major U.S. research universities in March 2019, asking them to provide information about specific faculty members with NIH funding who are believed to have links to foreign governments that NIH did not know about. Universities reportedly scrambled to respond to the unprecedented queries. Some academic administrators worry the exercise could cast a chill over all types of international scientific collaborations. Others fear that the inquiry may become a vehicle to impugn the loyalty of any faculty member—and especially any foreign-born scientists—who maintain overseas ties. At some institutions, every researcher flagged by NIH was Chinese American. The vaguely worded letters did not contain specific accusations, nor did it explain any aspect of the process. By March 23, 2023, a year after the official end of the China Initiative, Science reported that NIH’s “China initiative” has upended hundreds of lives and destroyed scores of academic careers. In contrast to the very public criminal prosecutions of academic scientists under the China Initiative, NIH’s version was conducted behind closed doors. More than one in five of the 246 scientists targeted were banned from applying for new NIH funding for as long as 4 years—a career-ending setback for most academic researchers. And almost two-thirds were removed from existing NIH grants. Some 81% of the scientists cited in the NIH letters identify as Asian, and 91% of the collaborations under scrutiny were with colleagues in China. In only 14 of the 246 cases—a scant 6%—did the institution fail to find any evidence to back up NIH’s suspicions. NIH is by far the largest funder of academic biomedical research in the United States, and some medical centers receive hundreds of millions of dollars annually from the agency. So when senior administrators heard Michael Lauer, NIH deputy director for extramural research, say a targeted scientist “was not welcome in the NIH ecosystem,” they understood immediately what he meant—and that he was expecting action. “If NIH says there’s a conflict, then there’s a conflict, because NIH is always right,” says David Brenner, who was vice chancellor for health sciences at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in November 2018 when the institution received a letter from Lauer asking it to investigate five medical school faculty members, all born in China. “We were told we have a problem and that it was up to us to fix it.” In a panel discussion hosted by the University of Michigan in March 2024, Professor Ann Chih Lin, asserted that NIH made it clear that if they couldn’t resolve concerns regarding a faculty member and a grant, NIH would not only require universities to repay the grant, but also investigate universities’ entire portfolio of NIH grants. Fearing the loss of grant money, universities often approached the implicated professors and encouraged them to resign voluntarily or retire early. This strategy aimed to avoid a public disciplinary hearing or grievance process, which could bring unwanted attention to the case. Professors involved in such investigations typically refrained from discussing their cases to protect both themselves and the universities, often choosing to depart quietly. References and Links 2024/03/29 University of Michigan News: US universities secretly turned their back on Chinese professors under DOJ’s China Initiative 2023/02/23 Science: Pall of Suspicion 2019/03/01 Science: NIH letters asking about undisclosed foreign ties rattle U.S. universities Criminalizing China The name of China Initiative by itself is problematic. "Using 'China' as the glue connecting cases prosecuted under the Initiative's umbrella creates an overinclusive conception of the threat and attaches a criminal taint to entities that possess 'China-ness,' based on PRC nationality, PRC national origin, Chinese ethnicity, or other expressions of connections with 'China.,'" Professor Margaret Lewis wrote in her article "Criminalizing China" in 2020. Her article further contends that, when assessed in light of the goals of deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and retribution, it is worrisome that the prosecution and punishment of people and entities rests in part on a connection with “China.” A better path is to discard the “China Initiative” framing, focus on cases’ individual characteristics, and enhance the Department of Justice’s interactions with nongovernmental experts. Margaret K. Lewis, Criminalizing China , 111 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 145 (2020). https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc/vol111/iss1/3 The Ethnic Targeting of Chinese Scientists On November 19, 2020, The China Project produced a video titled “ The China Initiative: The ethnic targeting of Chinese scientists and the subsequent brain drain .” (7:30) The China Project talked to lawyers, academics, and victims of the China Initiative for their perspective. Many Chinese and Chinese American researchers feel that the program has placed a target on their back, and that they are being unfairly targeted for their Chinese ethnicity. There are also critics who say the Initiative has done little more than drive talent away from the U.S. Jump to: Overview FBI Director’s Profiling Approach NIH’s Own “China Initiative” Criminalizing China Ethnic Targeting of Chinese Scientists 1. DOJ launched China Initiative November 1, 2018 Timeline Contents Department of Justice: Information About The Department of Justice's China Initiative and A Compilation of China-Related Prosecutions Since 2018 . (last updated November 19, 2021). Margaret K. Lewis, Criminalizing China , 111 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 145 (2020). 2021/12/02 MIT Technology Review: The US crackdown on Chinese economic espionage is a mess. We have the data to show it. 2020/11/19 The China Project: The China Initiative: The Ethnic Targeting of Chinese Scientists and the Subsequent Brain Drain . (video 7:30) 2020/10/30 The China Project: Scientists in the Crosshairs: What should Chinese and Chinese-American researchers do amid U.S. crackdown on ‘China ties’? (video 21:04) 2018/11/07 New York Times: Jeff Sessions Is Forced Out as Attorney General as Trump Installs Loyalist 2018/11/01 Department of Justice: Attorney General Jeff Sessions Announces New Initiative to Combat Chinese Economic Espionage 2018/11/01 Department of Justice: Attorney General Sessions Announces Criminal Enforcement Action and New Initiative to Combat Chinese Economic Espionage (video 36:37) Links and References Timeline Known Cases Impacted Individuals

APA Justice fully supports and is a partner with The Yellow Whistle Project , which officially launched on April 19, Patriots Day, 2021. The project was started by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and her husband Oscar Tang, Li-En Chong, Ken Tan, Anne Martin-Montgomery, and Cassandra X Montgomery in response to the anti-Asian hate and violence. In nature, yellow signals the advent of spring, bringing hope, optimism, and enlightenment. In America, yellow has been weaponized against Asians as the color of xenophobia. The whistle is a symbol of self-protection and solidarity in our common fight against historical discrimination, anti-Asian violence, and racial profiling. It has a universal purpose - to signal alarm and call for help - for all Americans. We are whistleblowing to fight back against the stereotype that Asians are a silent minority. We shall not remain silent, because we belong! Learn more Free whistles are being distributed through a network of outreach partners in New York City and throughout the continental U.S. Priority will be given to 501(C)3 organizations with demonstrated strong community ties. Distribution is managed by regional hubs, including APA Justice. The supply of whistles has been increased from 100,000 to 200,000 and now 500,000. The campaign is turning into a movement and a platform beyond the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. On September 5, 2021, Axios reported on How the yellow whistle became a symbol against anti-Asian hate. Read article See Yellow Whistle activities happening throughout the country "We Belong" Yellow Whistles The Yellow Whistle Campaign Make a Difference

Newsletter - #289 U.S. Heartland China Association Update and Event; Franklin Tao Speaks Out; Pandas; + #289 U.S. Heartland China Association Update and Event; Franklin Tao Speaks Out; Pandas; + In This Issue #289 · Update from US Heartland China Association · "China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach" and the Case of Professor Franklin Tao · KSNT News: Professor Franklin Tao Speaks Out · Pandas are Here at the National Zoo in Washington DC · News and Activities for the Communities Update from US Heartland China Association Min Fan , Executive Director of the U.S. Heartland China Association, introduced USHCA to us at the February 2024 monthly meeting. Min Fan warmly invited meeting participants to join an upcoming hybrid event "China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach" at the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, Kansas. Former KU Professor Franklin Tao and his wife Hong Peng plan to attend and engage in discussions. This event has been in planning for over a year. It involved collaboration with local Chinese American scholars and the National Committee for U.S.-China Relations to ensure a meaningful exchange on pertinent topics. The emphasis is on fostering local engagement and informed debate around broader issues affecting the community.Min underscored the importance of having discussions about U.S.-China relations not just in Washington, D.C., but also in the Heartland. The U.S. Heartland China Association, a bipartisan organization founded by late Senator Adlai Stevenson III of Illinois originally under the name of Midwest U.S. China Association and currently chaired by Former Governor of Missouri Bob Holden , aims to promote stable U.S.-China relations to protect and advance the interests of the Heartland community, such as export market for our agricultural producers, global competitiveness of our businesses, talent attraction in our universities, and the cultural heritage of Chinese Americans In the Heartland. During this past summer, USHCA organized an agricultural delegation to China, which included members from rural areas who had never visited the country before. One delegate from Kentucky returned with a renewed perspective, expressing to his local trade association members and elected officials that China was nothing like the all-negative portrayals in the media. This experience illustrated the potential benefits of people-to-people exchanges in fostering better relations and understanding between the two nations. ( From Heartland to Mainland, reflections and insights , webinar replay) The trip was 100% funded by US Agriculture stakeholders. Min, who is the first Chinese American executive director of the organization, highlighted the scrutiny faced by Chinese Americans in leadership roles within nonprofits focused on U.S.-China relations. She is one of very few Chinese Americans leading a non-profit organization on U.S.-China relations. USHCA also faced political backlash and accusations of undue influence after sending a bipartisan delegation of six Heartland mayors to China ( Press Release , Video recap ). Despite the challenges, the organization continues to work closely with the State Department and other agencies to promote sub-national diplomacy and collaborative efforts around pressing issues like climate change. Min highlighted an upcoming event in Memphis, which aims to engage local partners, NGOs, and academics in a Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Dialogue about climate resilience, low carbon agriculture, and green transportation. This initiative seeks to promote balanced discussions in the Heartland, inviting broader community involvement and partnerships. The goal is to engage diverse local stakeholders in more informed conversations about U.S.-China relations and the future of Chinese Americans in this region. In closing, Min expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share insights with the broader community and emphasized the importance of ensuring that diverse voices are heard in discussions that shape the future. She called for continued collaboration and support to facilitate these critical dialogues and foster understanding among all stakeholders involved.A summary of the October 7 monthly meeting, including Min's update, is posted at https://bit.ly/48wdg7D . Farm Policy News: New US-China Trade War Could Cost Farmers Billions According to Farm Policy News on October 17, 2024, United States corn and soybean farmers could lose billions of dollars in annual production value if the US-China trade war induced new tariffs on agriculture products. The study found that “U.S. soybean farmers (could) lose an average of $3.6 to $5.9 billion in annual production value” while “U.S. corn farmers (could) lose an average of $0.9 to $1.4 billion in annual production value” depending on how China would respond to increased U.S. tariffs. “This burden is not limited to the U.S. soybean and corn farmers who lose market share and production value. There is a ripple impact across the U.S., particularly in rural economies where farmers live, purchase inputs, utilize farm and personal services, and purchase household goods,” the study said. The total economic contribution of soybean and corn production could drop between $4.9 billion and $7.9 billion annually, with the most heavily affected sectors including manufacturing and mining of crop protection, fertilizer products, and energy products, as well as real estate and transportation.Read the Farm Policy News report: https://bit.ly/4eR0yT8 "China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach" and the Case of Professor Franklin Tao On October 11, 2024, Professor Jack Zhang of the University of Kansas (KU) Department of Political Science, joined by Susan Thornton , Vice Chair of the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), and a retired senior U.S. diplomat with decades of experience in Eurasia and East Asia, and Kyle Jaros , an associate professor at the University of Notre Dame, for a discussion on building a balanced approach for relations with China. The event was hosted by USHCA and the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at KU. Kyle Jaros began by discussing the surge in China-related legislation and other state-level policy actions, which increased to at least 110 or 115 between 2016 and 2023. Probably 25 to 30% of these proposals have been enacted into law. What started out as a handful of tangible concerns has morphed into something that is far more ominous in the minds of many. When asked about the China policies of the Trump and Biden administrations, Susan Thornton stated that one of the key challenges in U.S.-China negotiations is the political divide within the U.S. in Washington. It has often been politically advantageous for lawmakers to exaggerate or promote dramatic, threatening proposals to get attention. While the federal government generally takes a balanced approach in assessing the China threat, politicians have put a lot more emphasis on some aspects of the so-called China threat than are warranted. This overemphasis on the perceived threat from China could lead to unintended consequences, as highlighted by Jack Zhang. Many legislators, both at the national and subnational levels, may not realize that the bills they are drafting and voting on could have adverse effects. One major concern is the effort to revive the China initiative in Congress. The China Initiative was a Department of Justice program that tried to combat espionage and technology theft on university campuses and industry. There is a lot of evidence that the FBI racially profiled Chinese and Asian American researchers, damaged and ruined a lot of careers.During the Q&A session, Hong Peng reminded the audience that her husband, Franklin Tao was a KU professor who was wrongly prosecuted by the China Initiative . After five years of hard fighting by the Taos, the Tenth Circuit Court acquitted the last charge against Franklin on July 11 this year. Justice finally prevailed and Franklin was fully exonerated. The victory was bittersweet for the couple. This fight has cost Franklin nearly everything; the wrongful prosecution destroyed his career that he spent over 20 years building and spending almost 16 hours a day each day working in his lab. The total cost of his legal defense is over 2.3 million. They used up all their savings. They took money out of their retirement accounts, borrowed money from every single friend who could help, and they raised funds through GoFundMe. And currently, they still have over a million in debt.Hong Peng said “We can't choose where we were born and where we came from. But we really should not be scapegoated because of our country of origin. Twenty years ago, we came to the United States to pursue our American dream. We never imagined we would spend five years trapped in this nightmare.” Despite all this, Franklin Tao remained fully occupied, fully dedicated to his scientific work. He has published over 30 papers during those five years. And a few days ago, he had one of his papers accepted by Science . Unfortunately, even until today, he is still fighting to reinstate his faculty position. Hong wondered how the community could help a victim like Franklin to rebuild his career. Kyle Jaros commented that an idea very well worth considering: a kind of amnesty for anybody who was found in violation of minor academic regulations, for example, disclosure of foreign research relationships which was a widespread issue across academia.Compliance and information about compliance was something that academics were not being regularly informed of for a long period of time. And then suddenly there was a huge frame shift. And within a few years, universities very quickly started to ramp up attention to these rules, and then law enforcement got involved and decided to make criminal cases or even kind of national security cases out of what in many instances were very minor. Kyle Jaros hoped that Franklin Tao can make progress in restitution. Susan Thornton thanked Franklin Tao for seeing the whole process through to the end and the acquittal. It is important for our justice system, for our institutions, for our faith in our institutions, which she thinks is coming under a lot of fire in this country and around the world. "I think we owe you a debt of gratitude on that score. We've seen periods of overzealousness of this type in U.S. history before, and then we always must come back and reflect on our errors. More publicity, more shining a light, as you've done tonight by standing up and telling your story, is what we need for people to be aware of," she said. "I hope that this very difficult ordeal can somehow have some kind of silver lining or benefit both for you and your family because you deserve it, but also the contribution that you make to our institutional fabric."Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3UhjmT7 (1:19:06). Read the Franklin Tao story: https://bit.ly/3y8SBsm . Ken Lao contributed to this report. KSNT News: Professor Franklin Tao Speaks Out On October 20 2024, KSNT News Inside Kansas Politics featured former Kansas University Professor Franklin Tao , his wife Hong Peng , and Ron Barrett-Gonzalez , KSAAUP (Kansas Conference of American Association of University Professors) Committee A Co-Chair. The interview discussed Professor Tao's legal battle after being wrongfully accused of Chinese espionage under the Trump administration's China initiative. His conviction was overturned by a U.S. appeals court in July 2024. Tao shares his journey, including his academic background and the distressing circumstances surrounding his arrest. Professor Tao’s wife, Hong Peng, described the emotional toll the situation took on their family, highlighting the fear and desperation they faced. The couple endured significant financial damage. Her testimonies revealed the emotional toll the situation has taken on her family, with children experiencing significant distress.Professor Barrett-Gonzalez expressed deep concern over the university's handling of Professor Tao's case. He recalled the horror felt within the academic community when it was revealed that a specific ethnicity of researchers, particularly those of Asian descent, were being disproportionately targeted by the federal initiative. After Professor Tao was acquitted, Professors Barrett-Gonzalez and Rob Catlett, also KSAAUP Committee A Co-Chair, and other faculty members expected the KU administration to promptly reinstate him, recognizing the importance of justice and fairness in academia. However, to their disappointment, the administration opted not to take action, which Professor Barrett-Gonzalez argued is unfairly prolonging the distress for Professor Tao and his family. Professor Barrett-Gonzalez referenced similar cases where universities acted appropriately after faculty were acquitted. For example, Professor Anming Hu in Tennessee facing similar accusations was reinstated following a court ruling, as the university recognized the negative impact on its reputation. In contrast, Professor Barrett-Gonzalez criticized KU for failing to follow suit and reinstate Professor Tao. The discussions between Professors Barrett-Gonzelez and Catlett and university officials centered around what they considered clear violations of civil rights laws, particularly the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on nationality or ethnic origin. They highlighted how the 10th Circuit Court has recognized tenure as a property right, arguing that the university’s actions have violated Professor Tao's Fifth Amendment rights by not providing due process in his dismissal. Professor Barrett-Gonzalez asserted that this treatment reflects a broader ethical failure on the part of the university administration.In closing, Professor Tao underscored his continued dedication to research despite challenges, arguing that he has been wrongfully persecuted and calling for his immediate reinstatement to help restore the university's reputation. The segment concludes with a commitment to continue advocating for justice and fairness in the academic environment.Watch the KSNT News report: https://bit.ly/3YyWeSV (27:57). Professors Barrett-Gonzalez and Catlett spoke at the August 2024 APA Justice monthly meeting, a summary of which is posted here: https://bit.ly/3AHFSO1 Pandas are Here at the National Zoo in Washington DC According to Washington Post , CNN , and multiple media reports, two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, arrived at the National Zoo in Washington DC on October 15, 2024, after an absence of almost a year. They travelled on a specially chartered FedEx Boeing 777 cargo jet dubbed the “Panda Express.” They are here on a 10-year lease, and will make their public debut January 24, 2025, after a quarantine period. While born in Sichuan, Bao Li has deep familial roots in Washington. His mother, Bao Bao, was born a celebrity at the National Zoo in 2013 and returned to China four years later. His grandparents, Meixiang and Tian Tian, lived at the zoo for 23 years until their lease ended last year.“Panda Diplomacy” began with US President Richard Nixon ’s ice-breaking trip to Communist China during the Cold War. In June, the San Diego Zoo also received two giant pandas from China, which marked the first panda loans to the U.S. in two decades. On the same day Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived in Washington, On line livestream of "giant panda cam" from the San Diego Zoo was launched at https://bit.ly/4eRBVWu News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2024/10/24 Why Do Legislators Brawl? Lawmaking, Fist Fighting and Messaging in Taiwan 2024/10/25-27 Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the American Studies Network2024/10/26 Common Ground and Banquet2024/10/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/03 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/06 Asian American Women in Media and Music2024/11/10 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/12 Threats to International Engagement and Academic Freedom2024/11/14 An Advice and Networking Event (Financial Services, Investing and Consulting)2024/11/15 AAASE Inaugural Annual Summit2024/11/15 Yangtze-Mississippi Regional DialogueVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. NOTE: Because the regular scheduled day falls on the eve of Election Day, we have moved the next APA Justice monthly meeting to Monday, November 18, 2024. 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 APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . 2. Summary of October 2024 Monthly Meeting Posted The October 2024 APA Justice monthly meeting summary has been posted at https://bit.ly/3BMUjB2 . We thank the following special speakers for their reports and updates: · Congresswoman Grace Meng gave her remarks that were covered in Newsletter #288 on October 21, 2024: https://bit.ly/4070ryi · Casey Lee , Policy Director of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), provided an update on CAPAC on behalf of Nisha Ramachandran, Executive Director of CAPAC. She thanked Congresswoman Grace Meng and her team for leading efforts to prevent the reinstatement of the China Initiative in the FY 2025 appropriations bill. CAPAC remains committed to ensuring the AAPI community's voice is heard in key legislative processes, including the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Casey highlighted a recently released video featuring firsthand accounts of the racial profiling and wrongful prosecutions caused by the China Initiative, encouraging its wide distribution to raise awareness. She also acknowledged the collaboration with advocacy groups like AASF, AAJC, and CAA, emphasizing their role in shaping ongoing legislative negotiations to protect the community. · Gisela Kusakawa , Executive Director of Asian American Forum (AASF), expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Grace Meng for her leadership in opposing the reinstatement of the China Initiative and supporting the Museum of Asian Pacific American History. She highlighted AASF's success in gathering over 1,000 participants for its award ceremony, celebrating Asian American scholars, and emphasized AASF’s role in policy efforts and the museum’s establishment. Gisela also thanked Casey Lee and CAPAC for educating the public during "China Week," where scholars shared personal stories of facing discrimination. She praised AASF’s advocacy in recognizing civil rights icons and connecting university faculty with policymakers, urging continued community engagement to ensure Asian American voices are heard in shaping national policy. Gisela also mentioned AASF's collaboration with the NIH on transparency efforts and reiterated the importance of the community's involvement in policy discussions. · Min Fan , Executive Director of the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), gave a report that is covered by today's newsletter. · Texas State Representative Gene Wu gave a report that was covered in Newsletter #288 on October 21, 2024: https://bit.ly/4070ryi Read the October APA Justice monthly meeting summary: https://bit.ly/48wdg7D . Read previous monthly meeting summaries: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP 3. China and World Institute at Johns Hopkins University is Hiring Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Managing Director, China & The World Institute to play a pivotal role in the launch and growth of the new China and the World Institute at School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). The mission of the Institute is to bring greater rigor and reason to public and policy discussions on China, spearheading efforts to generate new knowledge and strategic insights to “get China right.” Working closely with and reporting to the inaugural Faculty Director, the Managing Director leads the strategic development, management, and advancement of the Institute, playing a critical role in building a leading center for interdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement on China's role in the world. It is also hiring an Academic Program Manager. Read more about these opportunities at https://bit.ly/40kgtES 4. 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 . Back View PDF October 24, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #149 Events/Conferences; Update on Arrowood; Hateful Trump Name-Calling; New from the Fed #149 Events/Conferences; Update on Arrowood; Hateful Trump Name-Calling; New from the Fed Back View PDF October 7, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #346 Gene Wu; TX SB17 Hearing; Land Restrictions; ICE Crackdown; Science Reports; Fed Data+ #346 Gene Wu; TX SB17 Hearing; Land Restrictions; ICE Crackdown; Science Reports; Fed Data+ In This Issue #346 · Committee of 100 Condemns Loyalty Attacks on Texas Rep. Gene Wu · 08/14 Public Court Hearing on Lawsuit Against Texas Alien Land Bill SB17 · Restrictions on Chinese Land Ownership in the U.S. · Concerns Over ICE Crackdown Tactics · Science: NIH Funding and Editorial on Columbia Deal · Federal Data at Risk: NASEM Warning, IRS Clash, and BLS Firing · News and Activities for the Communities Committee of 100 Condemns Loyalty Attacks on Texas Rep. Gene Wu On April 8, 2025, the Committee of 100 issued a public statement on Respectful Civil Discourse , condemning rhetoric that questions the loyalty or belonging of Chinese Americans based on ethnicity or political views. The statement cited an August 6 Texas Tribune article reporting that Texas State Senator Mayes Middleton targeted Representative Gene Wu 吳元之 , linking him to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and suggesting he should “go back to China.” “Suggesting that an American lawmaker is aligned with a foreign regime because of his heritage or political advocacy draws on a long and dangerous history of anti-Asian scapegoating and racism in this country,” the Committee of 100 said. “Such statements are outrageous and un-American. Disagreements on public policy are part of a healthy democracy. But invoking race, ethnicity, or foreign associations—especially when aimed at Asian American elected officials—incites xenophobia, invites slurs, and increases the potential for real-world harm.” Wu, leader of the Texas House Democrats, recounted his family’s persecution during China’s Cultural Revolution, noting that accusations of being a “communist spy” are deeply offensive given his family history. In recent months, he has faced escalating racist attacks from GOP officials amid his role in blocking Republican-led redistricting. Republican leaders, including Middleton and Texas GOP Chair Abraham George , have publicly questioned Wu’s loyalty, labeling him “CCP Wu” and accusing him on social media of being an operative of the Chinese Communist Party doing China’s bidding in the Legislature while baselessly questioning his loyalty to Texas and the U.S. Democrats and Asian American leaders warn that such unchecked rhetoric is dangerous, especially as Texas’s Asian American population grows rapidly. In contrast to past instances when racist remarks prompted swift condemnation, top GOP leaders have remained largely silent—signaling a troubling erosion of norms around respectful public discourse. 08/14 Public Court Hearing on Lawsuit Against Texas Alien Land Bill SB17 On July 3, 2025, the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA 华美维权同盟) filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Chinese nationals alleging Texas state law (SB 17), barring Chinese citizens from buying property in the state, is discriminatory and unconstitutional.A public hearing on Wang v. Paxton (4:25-cv-03103) will be held on August 14, 2025, starting at 10:00 am CT at Bob Casey U.S. Courthouse 515 Rusk Avenue, Houston, TX 77002.CALDA is calling on community members to attend the court hearing. “Even just quietly sitting in the back of the courtroom, your presence is the strongest form of support,” CALDA’s call to action states. “This is not only a legal battle but a fight for our right to live with dignity on this land.”The hearing is open to the public, but with only a few dozen seats expected to be available. Standing in the courtroom is not allowed. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early and enter after passing security screening. The court strictly prohibits carrying any electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are forbidden. Lockers are provided at the court entrance for storage. The hearing is expected to last 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, attendees must not enter or leave freely, talk, or create noise. Please obey the rules; violators may be removed by court officers.CALDA’s lawsuit compares Texas’s SB 17 law to historically notorious anti-Asian laws like the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and California’s 1913 Alien Land Law, both targeting Asian immigrants. Texas had repealed similar discriminatory restrictions in 1965, deeming them unreasonable and discriminatory. SB 17 bans citizens of certain countries—unless they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents—from owning most real estate or signing leases longer than one year in Texas. The law applies even to long-term residents with valid student or work visas, treating them as if they still reside in their country of origin. Violators risk forced property sales, felony charges, imprisonment, and hefty fines.CALDA contends that SB 17 is not an isolated law; it equates “place of birth” with a “national security threat,” treating people of Chinese origin as potential enemies. This is not merely a restriction on foreign nationals but a form of systemic discrimination that marginalizes the entire Chinese community. U.S. history has long shown that once prejudice based on nationality takes root, it spreads and harms the innocent. Among these waves of legislation, SB 17 is neither the beginning nor the end. It is part of a nationwide surge of anti-Chinese laws. We cannot remain silent, retreat, or be absent.SB 17 is set to take effect September 1, 2025. The plaintiffs request the court to rule that SB 17 is preempted by federal law and unconstitutional, to issue temporary and permanent injunctions preventing its enforcement, and to order payment of attorney’s fees and related litigation costs. Restrictions on Chinese Land Ownership in the U.S. Author: Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications AssociateAccording to Nikkei Asia , the U.S. is intensifying its crackdown on Chinese ownership of American agricultural land in the name of national security. Legislative efforts at both the federal and state levels to restrict Chinese property ownership have reached an all-time high.According to a recently released report by the Committee of 100 , U.S. Congress is currently considering 15 alien land bills, and 25 states have passed similar legislation aimed at restricting foreign ownership of property, including but not limited to agricultural land. This year alone, 11 such bills have already been enacted into law, with 129 introduced.Last month, the Department of Agriculture released a seven-point national security plan, enhancing public disclosures of foreign ownership of farmland and working with Congress and states to ban purchases of farmland by foreign adversaries and countries of concern. Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins pointed specifically to the ownership of American farmland by Chinese nationals as an existential threat. Rollins hinted she might “claw back” land currently owned by Chinese investors.In May, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, prohibiting people and companies from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing land and other property in the state. It also bars certain people from leasing homes or apartments for more than a year. ACLU Texas maintains this legislation violates the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause.Florida passed similar legislation in 2023 that bans Chinese citizens from buying most property in the state. The law went into effect on July 1, 2023, although enforcement has been curtailed in specific cases pending legal review. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit issued a temporary injunction blocking the law’s enforcement against two plaintiffs while their appeal is under consideration.In April, West Virginia enacted House Bill 2961, explicitly banning Chinese citizens who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents from owning or possessing real property or mineral rights within the state. Speaking at the August 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting, Joanna YangQing Derman of Advancing Justice | AAJC explained that, while the legislation defines “prohibited foreign party” as individuals from China, the actual ban applies to individuals acting on behalf of companies and does not ban individuals from directly renting or purchasing land for themselves. The bill specifies that a violation of the law allows six months for full divestment of the sale, enforceable by the state court system and the West Virginia attorney general.The Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) represents plaintiffs in lawsuits against the legislation in Florida and Texas. CALDA legal director, Justin Sadowsky , says “the purpose [of the legislation] appears to be harming Chinese people.” Vincent Wang , chair of the Ohio Chinese American Association (OCAA) and APA Justice co-organizer, has been working with Ohio legislators with OCAA to amend proposed legislation in Ohio. The legislation, House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88, would bar U.S. permanent residents from China from purchasing homes or businesses within 25 miles of military bases or critical infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, pipelines, dams, and telecommunication systems.Wang says he and his group have tried to relay to lawmakers the impact the legislation will have on business, employment, and investment in the state. Wang estimates roughly 110,000 people could be impacted if the legislation passes.He added, “While China is on the U.S. ‘foreign adversary’ list, conflating the Chinese government with people of Chinese origin risks racial profiling and discrimination — harming innocent individuals and businesses without meaningfully advancing national security.”Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland dropped last year to 265,000 acres, near the 2019 level, accounting for 0.03% of the 876 million acres nationwide. According to Sarah Bauerle Danzman , a former foreign investment analyst with the State Department and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, such a miniscule proportion poses no national security threat. Concerns Over ICE Crackdown Tactics Author: Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications AssociateAccording to CNN , AsAmNews , and multiple media reports, Yeonsoo Go , a 20-year-old South Korean at Purdue University’s College of Pharmacy, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 31. Five days later, August 4, she was released and reunited with her mother in Federal Plaza in New York.In 2021, Go moved to the U.S. with her mother on a religious worker’s dependent visa. Three years later, she graduated from Scarsdale High School, located in Westchester County, New York. Go’s mother, the Rev. Kyrie Kim , serves as a priest in the Asian ministry of the Episcopal Diocese in New York and is recognized as the first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea.On July 31, 2025, Go attended a visa hearing in Manhattan with her mother, during which a judge scheduled a hearing for October. However, ICE agents arrested her outside the courthouse immediately after the hearing. She was first held at a nearby federal detention site, then transferred to a facility in Monroe, Louisiana. ICE has not provided an explanation for why she was placed in immigration detention.According to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin , Go had overstayed a visa that “expired more than two years ago” and was placed in expedited removal proceedings. McLaughlin added, “The fact of the matter is those who are in our country illegally have a choice — they can leave the country voluntarily or be arrested and deported.”However, Go’s current visa is reported to be valid until December, and her hearing on July 31 was part of an effort to extend her status, raising serious questions about the legality and appropriateness of her detention.On August 2, supporters called for Go’s release during a gathering in Manhattan’s Federal Plaza. Friends spoke of her positive attitude and kind heart, noting that Go had been increasingly nervous leading up to her hearing given the current political climate.A Purdue University spokesperson Trevor Peters confirmed the university was aware of the situation and that the dean of students had reached out to Go’s family.Following her release, Republican Representative Mike Lawler wrote on X “Yeonsoo’s case is yet another example of why we must fix our broken immigration system and make it easier for folks to come here and stay, the right way.”Go’s detainment comes just over a week after Tae Heung "Will" Kim , PhD student at Texas A&M University, was first detained at San Francisco International Airport. Kim spent a week sleeping in a chair with the lights on 24/7, before being moved to immigration detention centers in Arizona and then Raymondville, Texas. Kim was denied access to counsel while he was held in San Francisco. Karl Krooth , Kim’s attorney, stated that his client’s detention underscores serious flaws in the immigration system. He noted that Kim was deprived of due process protections typically available through immigration court proceedings, and held in an airport under questionable authority. “CBP [Customs and Border Protection] officers are not neutral arbiters — they are interrogators,” Krooth said. Becky Belcore , co-director of National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), says Kim’s prolonged detention is indicative of a larger crackdown on immigrants’ rights. Earlier in July, Muhanad J. M. Alshrouf was detained by immigration officials for nine days at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX. Alshrouf had a valid visa and had no criminal history. CBP officials have not provided reasoning why he was detained.Similarly, CBP officials held naturalized citizen Wilmer Chavarria , a Vermont school district superintendent, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for hours on July 21, searching his electronic devices. Chavarria was returning from a trip to Nicaragua where he visited family.On August 8, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) addressed a letter to Kristi Noem , Todd Lyons , and Rodney Scott expressing deep concern over the treatment of lawful permanent resident AAPI individuals by CBP and ICE. They pointed to several reports in which individuals — Will Kim, Yeonsoo Go, Lewelyn Dixon , Maximo Londonio , and Yunseo Chung — were detained without due process, suggesting potential violations of constitutional protections. CAPAC also alleges that CBP has violated its own National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search, which requires CBP officials to “hold detainees for the least amount of time required” and, generally, for no more than 72 hours. The cases cited by CAPAC exemplify how CPB has purportedly failed to uphold this code.The CAPAC letter underscores growing concerns about the protection of constitutional rights, serving as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process. Upholding these principles helps ensure that enforcement practices remain fair and that the rights and dignity of immigrant communities are respected. Breaking News : According to the Intercept , a 32-year-old Chinese immigrant named Chaofeng Ge died by suicide in the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately run ICE detention facility in Pennsylvania. Ge had been detained there for five days after being handed over to ICE following a guilty plea for a credit card fraud-related arrest. The Moshannon facility, operated by the GEO Group and the largest ICE detention center in the Northeast, has faced numerous complaints about abusive conditions, including poor language services that leave detainees, especially Chinese speakers, isolated.Ge was found hanging in a shower room early on August 6, 2025, and despite emergency medical efforts, he was pronounced dead around 6 a.m. His death marks the first ICE detainee death in the Northeast this fiscal year and the third suicide in ICE facilities nationwide this year.The Moshannon center has come under scrutiny for overcrowding, lack of adequate medical and mental health care, and harsh conditions that resemble a prison rather than a temporary holding center. A 2024 Department of Homeland Security investigation found “egregious and unconstitutional conditions,” but its findings were largely ignored after oversight offices were closed.Nationwide , deaths in ICE detention have increased sharply this fiscal year, with 12 detainee deaths reported as of June 2025—more than the previous year and the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The rise in deaths highlights ongoing concerns over ICE detention conditions and treatment of immigrants. Science : NIH Funding and Editorial on Columbia Deal According to Science on July 31, 2025, The Senate Appropriations Committee rejected President Trump’s proposed 40% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and major reductions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), instead approving a 2026 funding bill that boosts NIH’s base budget by $400 million (1%) to $47.2 billion and keeps the CDC at $9.15 billion. The bill preserves NIH’s 27 institutes, blocks a cap on indirect research costs, and funds targeted research areas such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the administration’s attempts to freeze funds and reorganize agencies, framing the measure as a strong bipartisan defense of biomedical research and public health. The Senate bill must still go to the full Senate for approval and be reconciled with a House of Representatives version. According to a Science editorial titled “ The Columbia deal is a tragic wake-up call ” on July 31, 2025, Columbia University has entered into an agreement with the U.S. government to restore $1.3 billion in annual research funding after the Trump administration raised concerns about antisemitism, admissions practices, faculty hiring, and campus protests. While university leaders framed the deal as a necessary step to free up critical science funding—emphasizing its importance for advancing research that benefits the nation and humanity—it imposes obligations far beyond research oversight. The terms focus heavily on undergraduate education and require Columbia to answer questions on a range of politically sensitive topics. Michael Roth , the president of Wesleyan University, who has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration and has decried the timidity of universities in standing up for higher education, declined to criticize Columbia for entering the agreement, likening it to a parent who understandably had to pay a ransom for their kidnapped child. Many in academia believe that Columbia’s decision has put other universities at risk of being required to meet the same kind of demands. The Columbia case underscores the vulnerability of universities that have become deeply reliant on federal research funding since World War II, often prioritizing financial growth and prestige over safeguarding academic independence. It also illustrates the difficult trade-offs administrators face when balancing core educational principles against the need to secure resources. While Columbia opted to negotiate rather than challenge the government, Brown University has followed a similar path, and Harvard University is fighting its own dispute in court. The real danger, some warn, is that such political and financial pressures—combined with heightened scrutiny of teaching and scholarship—could erode the fundamental mission of higher education: preparing future generations for the public good. Federal Data at Risk: NASEM Warning, IRS Clash, and BLS Firing On August 8, 2025, Marcia McNutt , President of the National Academy of Sciences, and Victor J. Dzau , President of National Academy of Medicine, issued a public statement , emphasizing that federal statistical agencies must remain free from political or other undue influence to maintain public trust and ensure effective decision-making. They highlighted the critical role accurate, objective data plays for businesses, governments, and the public, and reaffirmed long-standing principles—articulated since 1992—requiring agencies to operate independently of political agendas. The statement urges federal leaders to protect the integrity, objectivity, and statutory safeguards that enable these agencies to serve the nation impartially and in the public interest. Related Resources: Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency: Eighth Edition On August 9, 2025, the Washington Post reported that tensions erupted between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the White House after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asked the IRS to use confidential taxpayer data to locate 40,000 suspected undocumented immigrants. IRS privacy lawyers had opposed the April data-sharing agreement, and Commissioner Billy Long limited cooperation, verifying fewer than 3% of names and refusing to share additional information such as Earned Income Tax Credit claims, citing privacy laws. DHS has suggested future requests could target up to 7 million people. The dispute occurred hours before Long’s abrupt removal as IRS commissioner, though it is unclear if it was a direct cause. Long, a former congressman appointed in June, will become ambassador to Iceland, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent serving as interim commissioner. His short tenure also saw clashes over delaying tax season and eliminating the IRS’s Direct File program. This episode illustrates the type of political pressure NASEM warns could undermine public trust in federal agencies. On August 1, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Dr. Erika McEntarfer from her role as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after alleging the jobs report was “rigged” to harm him and Republicans. In a statement issued by the Economic Policy Institute, Heidi Shierholz , President of EPI, called the claim “preposterous” and warned the move risks politicizing the office of Commissioner by threatening removal if economic data displeases the White House. Taken together, these developments underscore a growing pattern of political interference in statistical and data-driven agencies — a trend that, if unchecked, could erode public confidence in the integrity of government information. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/08/11 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Gary Locke2025/08/12 Teaching and Researching Controversial Topics in the Sciences2025/08/14 Court Hearing on Wang v. Paxton (4:25-cv-03103)2025/09/06 The 2025 Asian American Youth Symposium2025/09/08 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/09/08 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Janet YangVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # 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 . Back View PDF August 11, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #128 FBI Town Halls; ODNI Report; 6/6 Monthly Meeting; Webinar and Op-Ed; Memorial for Norm #128 FBI Town Halls; ODNI Report; 6/6 Monthly Meeting; Webinar and Op-Ed; Memorial for Norm Back View PDF June 2, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #338 7/7 Meeting; AAU Wins Ruling; Role of Research Universities; Visa Interview to Restart #338 7/7 Meeting; AAU Wins Ruling; Role of Research Universities; Visa Interview to Restart In This Issue #338 · 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · US Judge Rules for AAU and Universities · Tony Chan: The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order · State Department Restarts Student Visa Interviews with New Rules · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We welcome and are honored by the following confirmed distinguished speakers: · Lynn Pasquerella , President, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) · Toby Smith , Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy, Association of American Universities (AAU) · Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Founder and President, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) · Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President, Committee of 100 · Tony Chan 陳繁昌 , Former President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (2018–2024) and Former President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2009–2018) 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 APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . US Judge Rules for AAU and Universities (Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications Intern, contributed to this report)According to AP News , Reuters and other media reports, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of Massachusetts issued a final judgment on June 20, 2025, in favor of Plaintiffs Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the American Council on Education, and 13 universities, blocking the National Science Foundation's (NSF) policy change that would have capped indirect costs for research grants at 15%. The judge ruled that the NSF's policy change is "invalid, arbitrary and capricious, and contrary to law."The civil lawsuit Association of American Universities v. National Science Foundation (1:25-cv-11231) was filed on May 5, 2025. AAU and a coalition also brought these lawsuits against the Trump administration with recent rulings: · Association of American Universities v. Department of Health & Human Services (1:25-cv-10346) . On April 4, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley entered a final judgment and permanent injunction in favor of the Plaintiffs. The Trump administration has filed an appeal. · Association of American Universities v. Department of Energy (1:25-cv-10912) . On May 15, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction , finding that the DOE’s Rate Cap Policy likely violates the Administrative Procedure Act—by taking agency action that conflicts with existing regulation, is arbitrary and capricious, and is impermissibly retroactive—and poses a risk of irreparable harm to research institutions. AAU is an organization of leading research universities in the U.S. and Canada, founded in 1900 to promote academic excellence and influence national higher education and research policy. Its members conduct a significant share of the nation’s research and are central to advancing innovation, economic development, and scientific leadership. Toby Smith , Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy at AAU, will speak at the APA Justice monthly meeting on July 7, 2025.***** WP Opinion: Trump is Undermining U.S. Science On June 18, 2025, the Washington Post published an opinion authored by Neal Lane , physicist and former director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Michael Riordan , physicist and author, warning that the Trump administration’s reckless and erratic actions toward U.S. science are placing the nation at serious risk. The authors urge Congress to immediately reassert its statutory authority over National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, direction, and management in order to support and uphold the future of U.S. science, technology, economic well-being, and national security.Established in 1950, the NSF originally focused on basic research in the physical sciences, only experiencing a burst of political support and funding after the launch of the Soviet Union’s Sputnik I satellite in 1957. Throughout its tenure, the agency has contributed to the development of the internet and World Wide Web , by funding Mosaic and Stanford University’s Digital Library Initiative, in which Larry Page and Sergey Brin developed the Google search engine. NSF has also stimulated great advances in laser and quantum technologies, as well as microbiology.However, the NSF fired 168 employees in February, roughly 10% of its workforce, in compliance with Trump’s executive order aimed at reducing federal personnel to "boost efficiency." The NSF has been terminating grants at a record pace, particularly in areas such as climate science and educational diversity. In 2025, the NSF has awarded only $1 billion in new grants, just half the usual pace compared to previous years. The future seems even more bleak — Trump’s 2026 fiscal year budget calls for slashing $5 billion from the current $9 billion NSF budget. Neal Lane and Michael Riordan emphasize that wholesale firings, budget-slashing, and arbitrary elimination of grants particularly harm young, emerging scientists as they often depend on NSF fellowships and grants to launch their scientific careers. This discouragement directly harms the future of U.S. science. Tony Chan: The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order Tony Chan 陳繁昌 is a distinguished computational mathematician who served as the President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology from 2009–2018, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2024 .Educated at the California Institute of Technology (B.S., M.S.) and Stanford (Ph.D.), Dr. Chan held leadership roles at Yale and UCLA before becoming assistant director of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate at the U.S. National Science Foundation. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of IEEE, AAAS, and SIAM. In March 2025, Dr. Chan published an essay titled " The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order. " He opined that as global power centers realign, research universities are more than academic institutions—they are key players in shaping global values, talent flows, and geopolitical influence. As tensions rise between East and West across sectors like trade, technology, and security, particularly STEM-focused institutions, now face pressure to engage with broader global rivalries. In particular, 1. Geopolitics and the rise of the East Geopolitical shifts, especially China’s rise, are reshaping the role of research universities. While U.S. and European institutions have long led in innovation and academic freedom, China’s targeted investments in top universities align education with national goals for technological and economic strength. This rivalry now reflects a deeper contest over global norms and influence. As Chinese universities expand international engagement, U.S. institutions grow more insular under political pressure, national security concerns, and revived efforts like the China Initiative—leading to a steady unraveling of U.S.–China academic partnerships. 2. Student and faculty mobility: a double-edged sword The global mobility of students and faculty—once a hallmark of internationalization in higher education—is increasingly shaped by shifting geopolitics, particularly the U.S.–China rivalry. While Chinese and Indian students long sought Western education, rising visa restrictions, scrutiny over security concerns, and a perception of unwelcomeness have curbed that trend. Simultaneously, China is attracting top overseas talent back home and nurturing new generations domestically, as seen in the success of DeepSeek, an AI firm staffed by local graduates. This reverse flow challenges Western universities' ability to attract top talent and underscores the need to balance openness with national security. As global dynamics shift, talent and innovation are increasingly staying in—or returning to—China, reshaping the future of academia and global leadership in science and technology. 3. Research competition versus collaboration Tensions between competition and collaboration in research are growing, as nations race for dominance in fields like AI and biotech while needing global cooperation on issues like climate change and pandemics. Research universities are caught in the middle—fueling national innovation but reliant on international exchange. Western governments are increasingly restricting collaboration over national security concerns, often invoking vague “dual use” rules, which may backfire and hinder progress. Chinese universities remain eager to engage globally, but geopolitical pressures make partnerships difficult. Without creative ways to balance openness and security, research may fracture along national lines, slowing global progress. 4. The way forward: Navigating a complex landscape In a shifting world order, research universities face the challenge of balancing national interests with global collaboration while staying true to their mission of advancing knowledge and educating future leaders. To succeed, they must uphold core values, including long-term societal service, pragmatic engagement with national security concerns, a strong defense of academic freedom, and active leadership in shaping global discourse. Navigating this complex landscape requires resilience, vision, and courage, especially as universities play a vital role in bridging political divides and fostering shared understanding across borders. Dr. Chan will explore these issues at the APA Justice monthly meeting on July 7, 2025. State Department Restarts Student Visa Interviews with New Rules (author: Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications Intern)According to the Washington Post and multiple media reports, the State Department has begun student visa interviews after a three-week hiatus, implementing a strict social media vetting process set to take effect in the coming week.The thorough vetting process requires applicants’ social media accounts to be public in order to be scrutinized for perceived hostility towards the U.S. or risk extreme penalties in the application process. State Department staff members have been instructed to “identify applicants who bear hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles; who advocate for, aid or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security; or who perpetrate unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.” The vetting process applies to all foreign nationals who apply for F, M, and J visas, regardless of the institution of study. Affecting not only new candidates but also those whose applications are currently in progress, the new vetting process also includes applicants who have already been interviewed but have not been finally approved.In justification of the policy, the State Department pointed to two executive orders from President Donald Trump , one designed to block hostile foreign actors from entering the country and the other to address antisemitism. The Department reiterated it remains concerned with protecting American institutions of higher education from those who would “steal technical information, exploit U.S. research and development, and spread false information for political or other reasons.”Several critics of the policy have expressed concern over its vague nature, suggesting a broader interpretation could result in the government denying visas from those who deserve them. Several government-affiliated individuals raised concerns about the increased burden on consulates, noting that officials do not have the time to complete the thorough vetting process for every applicant. The agency issued 446,000 student visas in 2023.While education advocates have expressed relief that the three-week hiatus is over, concerns remain that the policy will discourage international students from seeking overseas educational opportunities in the U.S.***** In a separate development, on June 20, 2025, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs of Massachusetts issued an order temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from hosting international students, according to AP News and other outlets. The ruling marks a legal victory for Harvard as it continues to challenge multiple federal sanctions in an ongoing dispute with the White House. While the order preserves Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students while the case proceeds, it does not resolve all legal questions. Judge Burroughs noted that the federal government retains the authority to evaluate Harvard’s eligibility to host international students through standard legal procedures. “We expect the judge to issue a more enduring decision in the coming days,” Harvard said in an email to international students. “Our Schools will continue to make contingency plans to ensure that our international students and scholars can pursue their academic work to the fullest extent possible, should there be any changes to visa eligibility or enrollment status.” News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/06/16-24 Discover China 2025: Summer Youth Exchange to the Greater Bay Area2025/06/25 Bridging Relationships with Policymakers2025/06/28-30 2025 ICSA China Conference2025/06/29 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/07/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/25-27 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2025/07/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Andrea Chen Appointed Executive Director of the Vincent Chin Institute The Vincent Chin Institute (VCI) has announced the appointment of Andrea Chen as its first Executive Director. VCI was founded in 2023 to continue the mission and work of the past 40 years of movement and building solidarity against anti-Asian violence and all forms of hate.Andrea Chen brings over 20 years of experience driving systemic change through racial justice and economic inclusion initiatives. She served for more than 15 years as CEO and Co-founder of Propeller, a nationally recognized social innovation incubator based in New Orleans, Louisiana. In her role as Executive Director, Andrea Chen will lead three core program areas: Community Organizing, Narrative Change, and Education.A commemoration of the death of Vincent Chin took place the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles on June 23, 2025, the 43rd anniversary of his death. Vincent Chin was murdered in Detroit in an anti-Asian hate crime, sparking a national movement for Asian American civil rights. Speakers at the commemoration include Aki Maehara , professor of Asian American history at East Los Angeles College, who was the victim of an apparent hate crime earlier this year and a speaker at the June 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting. 3. Physics Today Interviews Dr. Xiaoxing Xi In a report by Physics Today on June 20, 2025, physicist Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 recounts how the Cultural Revolution deeply affected his childhood, with his father imprisoned as a “counterrevolutionary” and his education interrupted. After Mao Zedong ’s death, China reopened its universities, and Dr. Xi seized the opportunity to study at Peking University—an experience that set him on the path to becoming a scientist and eventually immigrating to the U.S.These early experiences left Dr. Xi with a strong awareness of political injustice, which shaped his reaction to his own wrongful arrest in the U.S. in 2015. Some have described the United States is going through its own Cultural Revolution today.Read the Physics Today report: https://bit.ly/3HV6EGp # # # 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 . Back View PDF June 24, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #118 CAPAC Meets President; Senator Wicker on DOC; Letter to Olsen; Editorials; Anming Hu #118 CAPAC Meets President; Senator Wicker on DOC; Letter to Olsen; Editorials; Anming Hu Back View PDF March 8, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #144 9/12 Meeting; State Dept Event; NSF on NSPM-33; Support Prof Xi; Updates on Nomination #144 9/12 Meeting; State Dept Event; NSF on NSPM-33; Support Prof Xi; Updates on Nomination Back View PDF September 9, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #305 AAAS Update; Science/Sustaining Collaboration; Franklin Tao Lawsuit; Johns Hopkins ACF #305 AAAS Update; Science/Sustaining Collaboration; Franklin Tao Lawsuit; Johns Hopkins ACF In This Issue #305 · Updates from the American Association for the Advancement of Science · FP: Science Could Be a Bright Spot in U.S.-China Relations · Sustaining Scientific Collaboration Amid Worsening US–China Relations · University Daily Kansan on Franklin Tao Lawsuit · 02/03 Launch of ACF Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University · News and Activities for the Communities Updates from the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dr. Sudip Parikh is Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Executive Publisher of the Science family of journals. Sudip last spoke at the September 2023 APA Justice monthly meeting covering open science, basic research, and US-China collaboration in today's environment. He returned to give an update on the latest activities and developments of AAAS during the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025. AAAS was the first permanent organization established to promote the development of science and engineering at the national level and to represent the interests of all its disciplines. Sudip emphasized the significance of leading an organization with a storied history since 1848, stating that it gives “a sense of perspective” about the evolution of science in the United States.Sudip noted the symbolic power of his role as a first-generation immigrant of Indian descent leading the AAAS. Reflecting on the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, he remarked, “I wouldn’t exist without [it]… several of us would not exist.” This underscored the importance of inclusivity in science leadership. He acknowledged the organization's historical challenges: "When AAAS was formed in 1848, it was by 87 men—white men only—because that was the demographic practicing science at the time.” Today, AAAS reflects diversity in gender, race, and geography, with a majority-female board, which he described as a hopeful sign of progress.Acknowledging the complex challenges of the next two years, including divisive policy and rhetoric, Sudip found inspiration in AAAS’s history of overcoming its "baggage"; and shameful moments. “An organization that can evolve… can rise above and continue to advance science.” On Global Science Diplomacy and Collaboration: 1. U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement : This long-standing agreement, renewed for five years over the holidays, symbolizes critical cooperation. Sudip highlighted the new focus on reciprocity and transparency, which were absent in the 1979 framework. He described the renewal as "a good agreement” and crucial for fostering future collaborations. 2. India and Immigration Policy : Sudip’s visit to India highlighted the strong scientific ties between the two nations. He also addressed controversies surrounding H-1B visas, particularly on social media. “It turns out two things can be right at the same time—a program can be really important, and it can need to be reformed.” He encouraged constructive discussions on immigration policy reform. 3. Japan and Collaboration : During his visit to Japan, Sudip discussed the challenges of scientific collaboration despite the close alliance between the U.S. and Japan. He stressed the importance of distinguishing economic decisions from cultural signals, advocating for open and active collaboration in science. 4. Science Diplomacy Efforts : Sudip reaffirmed AAAS’s commitment to Track II diplomacy, which maintains dialogue even in strained geopolitical climates. He emphasized fostering long-term relationships, especially among junior scientists, to sustain international cooperation for decades. AAAS Annual Meeting Sudip previewed the upcoming AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston (February 13–15), themed Science Shaping Tomorrow . He noted the event’s focus on international collaboration and breakthroughs of the year, particularly the development of a small-molecule drug providing six-month protection against HIV transmission. “It’s not a vaccine, but it’s as close as we’ve ever gotten,” he noted. Vision for American Science and Technology Sudip discussed his role as chair of a task force developing a new vision for American science and technology—Endless Frontier 2.0, referencing Vannevar Bush ’s seminal 1945 report. Recognizing changes since 1945, Sudip said, “Vannevar Bush never imagined me,” emphasizing the increased role of diversity, philanthropy, and international parity in modern science.This updated vision will be released in late February, featuring multimedia formats to spark national conversations. Sudip reminded listeners of the historical precedent, noting that the original Endless Frontier was initially rejected and took five years of debate before leading to the National Science Foundation. He called for similar discussions today, concluding, “It’s time for an update… to look forward, not backward.”Sudip closed by reaffirming AAAS’s dedication to advancing science and fostering collaboration globally. He emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue, covering critical issues like immigration and international relations, and inspiring the next generation to continue building bridges through science. A summary for the January 6 monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. FP : Science Could Be a Bright Spot in U.S.-China Relations On January 16, 2025, a Foreign Policy report highlights the renewal of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA), a longstanding pact that has underpinned bilateral scientific collaboration since 1979. The updated agreement, extended for another five years, is limited to basic research and incorporates new safeguards addressing intellectual property and researcher safety concerns. However, it explicitly excludes sensitive areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, reflecting rising national security concerns and intensifying U.S.-China technological competition. The report underscores the mounting challenges in scientific collaboration due to China’s military-civil fusion policy and espionage concerns, which have raised fears in Washington about the potential misuse of joint research for military advancements. Additionally, China’s increasingly restrictive information environment and limited transparency in research-sharing practices have cast doubt on the equity and mutual benefit of such collaborations.Amid these developments, the STA’s renewal marks a cautious continuation of scientific diplomacy. Yet, the broader relationship between the two nations remains strained, particularly in the tech sector, where the U.S. has enacted export controls and promoted domestic production to counter China’s advancements. While the agreement aims to maintain dialogue and cooperation, its future impact will depend on navigating geopolitical and strategic tensions. *****According to an opinion of the China-based China Daily on January 11, 2025, the signing of a protocol by China and the United States recently to amend and extend the US-China Science and Technology Agreement is a crucial development given the fraught geopolitical relationship between the world's two largest economies. Originally signed in 1979 by former US president Jimmy Carter and former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping , the agreement coincided with the resumption of academic exchanges between the two countries. Following the signing of a 1978 memorandum of understanding on student and scholar exchanges — the first official agreement between the two governments — 52 Chinese students departed from Beijing to the US, with American students arriving in China two months later.The number of Chinese students in the US has declined for the fifth consecutive academic year. According to the Open Doors Report, published by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the number of Chinese students had fallen from 372,532 in 2019-20 to 277,398 in 2023-24.The careers of the "Beijing Eight" — the first group of American students to enroll in Chinese universities in February 1979 — exemplify the profound impact of early academic exchanges. Figures such as Madelyn Ross , former president of the US-China Education Trust; Frank Hawke , former China director of Stanford University Graduate School of Business; and Stephen Allee , curator of Chinese art at the Smithsonian Institution, highlight the importance of these programs in shaping future leaders and fostering international collaboration. Diplomacy, after all, begins in classrooms, lecture halls and research labs — places where future leaders learn to see the world through each other's eyes. It is a bridge worth preserving. Sustaining Scientific Collaboration Amid Worsening US–China Relations According to the University of California at San Diego (UC San Diego) School of Global Policy and Strategy on January 16, 2025, a recent commentary in Nature , coauthored by six senior scientists from the United States and China, calls for renewed efforts to protect and expand scientific collaboration between the two nations amid growing geopolitical tensions. The authors, including David Victor of UC San Diego, stress that U.S.–China cooperation has historically produced transformative global benefits, such as advancements in clean energy and medicine. However, they note that restrictive visa policies, political friction, and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a sharp decline in student exchanges and joint research efforts. The authors highlight the limitations of the recently renewed U.S.–China Science and Technology Agreement (STA), which excludes collaboration in security-sensitive fields and focuses solely on basic science. They advocate for a more comprehensive framework to address shared global challenges like climate change, public health, and sustainable development. For example, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has dropped from nearly 400,000 in 2019-2020 to under 300,000 in 2021-2022, while U.S. student exchanges to China have fallen from a peak of 15,000 in 2012-2013 to fewer than 1,000 in 2022-2023. The Nature commentary offers several solutions to increase collaboration in the face of challenging times, such as: · Identifying “safe zones” : Collaboration should focus on less sensitive fields like polar science and cosmology. These areas could offer less blowback compared to research on machine intelligence or pharmacology. Scientists need to identify and champion these “safe zones” to reduce political interference. · Securing funding : Federal and philanthropic organizations should offer reliable funding mechanisms for cross-border research. The U.S. Chips and Science Act, for example, prohibits individuals receiving federal research funding from participating in “Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs.” The authors argue that “when funders take on these dual roles — supporters and punishers — it becomes harder for scientists to secure reliable funding for work involving cross-border collaborations.” · Making the case for collaboration : Scientists must communicate the benefits of collaboration to policymakers, the public and funding agencies, countering nationalist narratives and fostering mutual understanding. “Scientists must better explain the benefits of joint work, root out and combat cases of mistreatment, racism and alienation, and restore science to its true purpose: a global pursuit of ideas that benefits from collective progress, not nationalism,” the authors write. Read the UC San Diego report: https://bit.ly/4hmHuNg . Read the Nature commentary: https://go.nature.com/3WqCUpf University Daily Kansan on Franklin Tao Lawsuit On January 17, 2025, the University Daily Kansan reported on a lawsuit Professor Franklin Tao filed against the university, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination following his prosecution under the now-defunct "China Initiative." The lawsuit claims that a visiting scholar at KU demanded $300,000 from Tao, threatening to report him to the FBI when he refused. Following the scholar's false accusations, KU reported Tao to the FBI without conducting its own investigation. The lawsuit further claims that the university collaborated closely with the FBI and DOJ, with evidence collected by KU forming the basis of the eventual charges against him.Text messages obtained by Tao’s legal team reportedly show close communication between KU’s then-deputy general counsel and FBI agents, including one exchange where the counsel referred to the agents as “my Wonder Twins,” to which the agents replied, “Ok mom.” Another message sent after Tao’s arrest allegedly stated, “Job well done, gentlemen.”The University Daily Kansan is an independent student newspaper established in 1904. It has long been a key source of news and analysis for the KU community, covering campus and university-related issues.Read the University Daily Kansan report: https://bit.ly/4gbX9OM 02/03 Launch of ACF Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University On February 3, 2025, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) will launch the Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF). This new institute seeks to add rigor and reason to public and policy discussions on China and the range of domestic and international issues that intersect China’s global role, bringing together experts and practitioners to foster informed public dialogue, promote evidence-based research, and support the next generation of scholars and practitioners. The event will be held at Johns Hopkins SAIS, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001.This day-long event will include sessions on what’s at stake in U.S. policy making on China, the Chinese economy, artificial intelligence and emerging threats to U.S. interests, and a new report on "Getting China Right at Home," analyzing the domestic challenges posed by intensifying competition. Jessica Chen Weiss will serve as the inaugural Director of ACF. She is also the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Weiss was the Michael J. Zak Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell University's Department of Government. For more information and registration to attend the event, visit: https://bit.ly/4am8fPG News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/02/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/02/03 Getting China Right: Launch of ACF Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Get Help Today on LA Fires Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance: · Online at DisasterAssistance.gov · Calling 800-621-3362 · By using the FEMA smart phone application · Assistance is available in over 40 languages · If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Please share with your families, friends, and colleagues in the Los Angeles area. 3. NIH Developments National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Monica Bertagnolli resigned on January 17, 2025, ending her tenure as the head of the $48 billion biomedical research agency after one year. According to Science on January 16, 2025, after over three years of organizing, early-career researchers at NIH have secured the first union contract at a federal research institution. The contract, covering around 5,000 graduate students, postdocs, and post-baccalaureates, includes paid parental leave, harassment protections, work hour limits, and a 40-hour workweek baseline. It also promises pay increases—raising graduate stipends to $50,400 and postdoc pay to $68,544—but these raises won't start until 2026.The deal, approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, guarantees up to $1,500 in relocation benefits, professional development time, gender-neutral restrooms, and remote work accommodations. While the pay increases depend on congressional appropriations and could be delayed, the contract is seen as a significant victory, especially in high-cost areas like Washington, D.C.This agreement may set a precedent for other institutions, encouraging similar pay and benefit negotiations. Despite frustrations over delays and uncertainties, union members view the contract as a major achievement that provides stability in the face of potential federal changes.Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/4h5y09x Back View PDF January 20, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter