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Newsletter - #207 9/11 Meeting; AI, Civil Rights, Equity, Innovation; Franklin Tao, UNC Shooting; More News #207 9/11 Meeting; AI, Civil Rights, Equity, Innovation; Franklin Tao, UNC Shooting; More News In This Issue #207 2023/09/11 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Artificial Intelligence (AI), Civil Rights, Equity, and Innovation Tenth Circuit Court To Hear Appeal of Professor Franklin Tao 陶丰 Statements and Media Reports on UNC Shooting News and Activities for The Communities 2023/09/11 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, September 11, 2023, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); John Yang 杨重远 , President and Executive Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Partner, DeHeng Law Offices 德恒律师事务所; Founder, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance 华美维权同盟, confirmed speakers to cover the renewal of the US-China Science and Technology Agreement are: Deborah Seligsohn , Senior Associate (non-resident), Center for Strategic and International Studies; Assistant Professor, Villanova University https://bit.ly/3OMc8En Steve Kivelson , Prabhu Goel Family Professor of Physics, Stanford University https://bit.ly/44xTNPX Sudip Parikh , Chief Executive Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Executive Publisher, Science Family of Journals Ting Wu , Advisor, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Office of the Chief of Staff, The White House 1. Committee of 100 Letter to the President On September 6, 2023, Gary Locke , Chair of the Committee of 100 (C100), wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to renew for another five years the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the PRC on Cooperation in Science and Technology (STA). "The STA offers the United States significant benefits to advance scientific progress in many fields and in people-to-people exchanges, and it presents minimal risks to American national security," the letter said. "Committee of 100 believes renewing the STA for another five-year term will enhance American scientific and technological achievement and promote U.S. leadership in open and transparent scientific cooperation globally. Conversely, Committee of 100 argues that allowing the STA to expire would disrupt mutually beneficial scientific exchange and disrupt peaceful people-to-people ties between the U.S. and the PRC. For these reasons, Committee of 100 urges you and your Administration to renew the STA with whatever additional safeguards your national security advisors deem appropriate and not simply to abandon this proven framework for constructive bilateral engagement."Gary Locke is also former U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and a former college president. Read the C100 letter at: https://bit.ly/3sJD1R0 2. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Members' Update: China! In a recent Members' Update, NAS President Marcia McNutt reported that "[m]embers have expressed concern about the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and China, pointing out that this partnership has resulted in extensive collaborations, joint research projects, and mutual contributions to global scientific knowledge."The National Academy of Sciences has promoted engagement with China since Frank Press' presidency in the 1980s. More recently, I had the honor of co-chairing the first Chinese-American Frontiers of Science symposia, which brought young researchers from both nations together to discuss forefront research and build relationships."Although there have been bumps in the road in our relationship with China, one could well argue that a U.S. position that focuses on de-risking does not fully account for the risks to the U.S., our science, and innovation of pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach towards China. For example, we have seen how policies such as the so-called 'China Initiative' have resulted in many Chinese-American researchers' feeling persecuted and afraid for their safety."To be sure, there are several real concerns related to the actions of China's leadership around the world, and some important issues related to intellectual property, research security, and research misconduct must be addressed. Understanding the nature and implication of these threats requires dialogue among the many stakeholders, and the NAS is leading these discussions. At the same time, we need to identify productive ways to maintain connections between the U.S. and China, especially in mutually beneficial areas. The bilateral science and technology cooperation agreement between the U.S. and China was temporarily renewed last week for six months, but its long-term fate in uncertain."The United States has the most dynamic innovation economy in the world. Our country has benefitted over the centuries from our ability to assess the talent and ideas being developed around the world. At a time when more and more science is being produced outside the U.S., the nation is handicapping itself by restricting these collaborations. NAS will continue to engage with policy makers to listen to their concerns with engagement, while highlighting to them the benefit of such connections for fostering a healthy U.S. science and innovation ecosystem." Artificial Intelligence (AI), Civil Rights, Equity, and Innovation 1. First look: Civil rights group starts center to monitor AI for hate speech According to Axios on September 7, 2023, The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights (LCCHR), one of the nation's largest and oldest civil rights coalitions, is launching a Center for Civil Rights and Technology to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) affects civil rights, fosters racism, and spreads bigotry. The center comes amid rising concern that AI may fuel racism and more antisemitism in the U.S. by amplifying bias from human-generated content on the internet.The center will monitor legislation and regulations on AI and other emerging technologies and assess how those will impact civil and human rights. The center also will publish papers and policy positions, and support active civic conversations about generative AI.Because AI models learn to complete sentences by analyzing enormous quantities of text created by people, usually on the internet, they pick up bias embedded in both the digital environment and broader society."Hate has had a very comfortable home on our social media platforms. And it has been given cover by, sadly, sometimes, by leaders that have every ability to disrupt that," LCCHR president and CEO Maya Wiley said. An advisory group of experts and civil rights organizations will advise the center, including Alondra Nelson , Acting Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) under the Biden Administration.Read the Axios report: https://bit.ly/467vI3F 2. Embed equity throughout innovation According to a Science editorial on September 7, 2023, the social benefit of technologies is frequently unevenly realized across the United States. Rural communities, individuals with disabilities, and historically marginalized groups face out-of-reach costs or lack access to products that meet their needs. Blame is typically placed on complicated regulatory processes or complex delivery systems, but this response neglects the problem that equity is not baked into the nation’s innovation process at any stage. The United States needs to rethink its entire innovation ecosystem to incorporate equity as a foundational guiding principle—from research design and funding requirements to policies and regulations that govern the delivery and oversight of new products to the public.Development of new technologies and products in the United States benefits from a governance framework that optimizes fairness and opportunity for creators and investors while prioritizing the safety and autonomy of end users. Equity is typically an afterthought, usually arising after unfair public outcomes are recognized. Given the recent remarkable pace of progress across all scientific disciplines, there is an urgent need to incorporate equity considerations throughout the innovation life cycle. Consider, for example, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in health care. Lack of diversity in the workforce and in the geographic distribution of innovation centers reduces the range of perspectives that shape research in this field. Nonrepresentative and discriminatory data sets and poor selection of proxy outcomes measures lead to biased algorithms that skew machine learning and adversely affect AI platforms that influence decision-making. Although efforts are underway to advance the ethical use of AI, a fundamental cultural shift is needed to fully integrate equity in this field and in many others.Embedding these values in innovation means accounting for equity at each stage, from idea conception to technology and product development, evaluation, monitoring, and iterative learning and improvement.A diverse community of users and creators should join traditional stakeholders to rethink governance strategies and incentives. Equitable innovation will require creative steps and new practices, such as engaging with underserved and marginalized communities at each stage of the innovation life cycle. This will ensure that these groups are not only consulted during research but also have opportunities to substantively lead and engage in innovation partnerships. If 21st-century innovation is to reflect social needs and improve the well-being of the entire public, then it will require a strong vision activated by a coalition of public and private partners that embrace an equity-centric approach at every stage.Authors of the Science editorial: Keith A. Wailoo , Henry Putnam University Professor of History and Public Affairs, Princeton University. Victor J. Dzau , President of the National Academy of Medicine. Keith R. Yamamoto , Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Strategy and Director of Precision Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco; President, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Read the Science editorial: https://bit.ly/44HfqO4 Tenth Circuit Court To Hear Appeal of Professor Franklin Tao 陶丰 Professor Feng "Franklin" Tao 陶丰 of University of Kansas (KU) was the first academic to be indicted under the now-defunct "China Initiative." Of the ten charges against him by the government, nine were dropped or dismissed. He was convicted by jury of one count of making a false statement. U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson stated that this “was not an economic espionage case” and released Professor Tao for time served. According to Inside Higher Ed on January 19, 2023, “Dr. Tao will be appealing his count of conviction and expects to prevail and be completely exonerated. And yes, he fully intends to continue his career as a scientist and researcher, either at KU or another university,” Peter Zeidenberg , Tao’s lawyer, said at that time.The 10th Circuit Appeals Court will hold a hearing on Professor Tao's appeal in Denver, Colorado, on September 21, 2023, starting at 8:30 am MT/10:30 am ET. Community members are urged to show their support for Professor Tao by attending the hearing at Byron White Court House, 1823 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80257. The Clerk's Office can be reached at 303-844-3157.Read APA Justice coverage of the case of Professor Franklin Tao at https://bit.ly/3fZWJvK . Read the Inside Higher Ed report: http://bit.ly/3wiMPQm Statements and Media Reports on UNC Shooting 1. Statements by UCA and AASF United Chinese Americans (UCA) and Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) issued statements mourning the tragic death of Dr. Zijie Yan 严资杰 , an associate professor of Applied Physical Sciences at University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill.AASF joins the UNC community in grieving the devastating killing of Dr. Yan, and boldly condemns the senseless act of violence perpetrated against him and his family. Two fundraisers have been set up - one for his daughters here and another for his parents here .Read the AASF statement: https://bit.ly/4669EXj The UCA statement condemns the racist rhetoric stemming from a public official in Wayne County, NC, which has no place in our society. "This hateful speech exacerbates the harm caused by discrimination and intolerance and can have dangerous consequences for the AAPI community," the statement said. "Together we must create an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, can pursue their educational goals without fear. Our condolences go out to the Yan family, and we hope that the UNC community finds strength and resilience in the face of this adversity. Let us come together to honor Zijie Yan's memory, strongly condemn racism, and work tirelessly for a future where such incidents can be prevented." 2. Media Reports on UNC Shooting According to CBS-17 on August 30, 2023, Wendy H. Waters , principal of Spring Creek High School in Wayne County, North Carolina, posted on Facebook a message that is widely viewed as a racist response to the shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill.“There is nothing WHITE about him,” she said as part of the post alongside a photo of Tailei Qi 齐太磊 ,, the man accused of fatally shooting Zijie Yan 严资杰 . The post continued to say “My bet is he’s a Chinese Nationalist.”In a statement from Wayne County schools, the district said Waters’ comments “do not reflect the views of the school district” and that the matter is now under review.Read the CBS-17 report: https://bit.ly/3ZsbS1j According to a report by WUNC on September 8, 2023, the death of Dr. Zijie Yan, triggered deep-seated anxiety and fear among Asian Americans in the Triangle. Jiu-Luen Tsai , 50, had been grappling with fear, frustration and grief. Like many other Asian Americans in the Triangle, he was afraid of how people would perceive him and his family after authorities identified graduate student Tailei Qi as the suspect. It reminded Tsai of instances when he and others in the Asian American community have been attacked.Tsai tried to talk to his 14-year-old son about it. “I honestly don’t know if he has experienced these things himself—xenophobia, racism and fear of gun violence,” Tsai said. “With a teenager, it’s especially hard to know. As a responsible parent, I have to talk about these things because these are truths in our world.”While the event is not characterized as a hate crime, it’s still an example of violence that’s impacted the Asian American community, said Jimmy Patel-Nguyen , the communications director at North Carolina Asian Americans Together.Events like the UNC shooting, as well as the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, highlight a culture that’s prone to gun violence and the vulnerability of Asian immigrants in America, said Eileen Chengyin Chow , a Duke University associate professor of the Practice of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. However, when the gunman and victims are Asian, such as with the shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay in California earlier this year, there is a tendency to dismiss the events as being isolated to the Asian community, she added. Anti-Asian violence has increased especially after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But similarly violent events that have impacted Asian Americans have been happening for decades.Cary resident Lily Chen , a community organizer and PhD student at UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Nursing, recalled when she was an international student at the University of Iowa in 1991. That year, Gang Lu , a graduate student, shot and killed three faculty members in the department of physics and astronomy. He also killed postdoctoral researcher, Linhua Shan , who Chen personally knew.Thirty-two years later, Chen experienced the same feelings that she did back then. She was also dismayed when a Wayne County high school principal posted an angry message on Facebook days after the shooting, speculating that the suspected shooter was “stealing intellectual property” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.“It's like, can I have time even to grieve?” Chen said. “Can I just have time to spend time with my family, with my daughter, with my friends and not have to worry about these kinds of things?”Since the shooting, UNC social worker Susan Chung , has seen many international Asian students in her office and at mental health webinars. “They already feel like outsiders and they don’t feel included at the school,” Chung said. “They don’t feel seen. The incident that happened really escalated that. That’s kind of how they feel.” Chung herself immigrated from Taiwan when she was 12 years old and tries to act as a liaison between the two cultures. Even before the shooting, she said that international students have shared with her that they feel ignored by the school and have been bullied by their peers and professors.Read the WUNC report: https://bit.ly/3Py0mxX News and Activities for The Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar APA Justice has launched a Community Calendar to track the many events and activities. From the Committee of 100 career ceiling webinars, alien land laws, National Voter Registration Day, Franklin Tao's appeal hearing, to the AAUC National Unity Summit, they are all in a one-stop view. Options are available to look at a monthly, weekly, or a daily calendar, as well as an agenda view with event details.You can find the Community Calendar on the front page of the APA Justice website at https://www.apajustice.org/ . 2. 2023/09/11 Bay Area FBI Community Briefings Roundtable WHAT: Bay Area FBI Community Briefings Roundtable - San Mateo WHEN: Monday, September 11, 2023, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, PT WHERE: The San Mateo City Police Headquarter Community Meeting Room | 200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403 HOST: City of San Mateo: Amourence Lee, Mayor; Ed Barberini, Police Chief PRESENTATION: FBI San Francisco Field Office SPONSORS: Civic Leadership USA (CLUSA), The Asian American Foundation (TAAF); San Francisco Community Alliance for Unity, Safety, and Education (SFCAUSE) REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3sRjBcH OBJECTIVES : Provide the Federal & regional perspectives from the FBI on Public Safety Build trust and relationships by reaching out to San Mateo Community & faith-based leaders Provide a mutual listening opportunity with follow-up actions. The roundtable format will feature selected public safety topics presented by the FBI, followed by a facilitated open dialogue in a roundtable discussion. 3. Behind Bay Area Preservation Dispute Is a Chinese American ‘Asparagus King’ According to the San Francisco Standard on September 10, 2023, Thomas Foon Chew , a young Chinese immigrant and entrepreneur in the canning industry, purchased the land in Palo Alto and built a cannery in 1918. Two years later, it grew to become the third-largest cannery of fruits and vegetables in the world, powered by a large and diverse workforce of Chinese-, Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking workers.Chew’s success turned him into a legendary and well-respected multimillionaire businessman whose company is thought to be the first to can green asparagus, earning him the moniker “Asparagus King.” Chew died in 1931 at the age of 42, and it is believed that 25,000 people attended his funeral in San Francisco's Chinatown. After his death, the cannery thrived until 1949.Now , more than 90 years since his death, a controversial plan to tear down parts of the former cannery site sparked a contentious debate within the local community members, and some of them want to preserve it as a rare piece of Asian American history. Monica Yeung Arima , a board member of Palo Alto History Museum, said this is a golden opportunity to save a critical part of both Chinese American and the city’s history.Palo Alto City Council heard hours of public comment in an early September meeting as people against the redevelopment plan held signs that read “Save the Cannery.” The council will vote on whether to proceed with the plan next week.Read the San Francisco Standard report: https://bit.ly/3LjVYQF Back View PDF September 11, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #379 3/2 Monthly Meeting; American Student in China; 2/26 Webinar on Talent; Jesse Jackson+ #379 3/2 Monthly Meeting; American Student in China; 2/26 Webinar on Talent; Jesse Jackson+ In This Issue #379 · 03/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · An American Student in China · 02/26 Webinar: Global Competition for Talent & International Students · In Memoriam: Jesse Jackson (1941-2026) · News and Activities for the Communities 03/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, starting at 1:55 pm ET. Rep. Grace Meng 孟昭文 , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), will deliver her remarks on the current state of CAPAC and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, in addition to updates from: · Dennis Jing , Staff Attorney, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We are honored by and welcome the following confirmed distinguished speakers: · Kaohly Her , Mayor, St. Paul, Minnesota (invited) · Chiling Tong 董繼玲 , Co-Chair, National APA Museum Commission · Mike German , Retired Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice 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 - Vincent Wang 王文奎 and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . ***** Mayor Kaohly Her made history as Saint Paul’s first Hmong American mayor and was sworn in on January 2, 2026. She is a lifelong public servant with deep roots in community advocacy, education, and equity. Before serving as mayor of St. Paul, she represented St. Paul in the Minnesota State Senate, where she was recognized for her work on education, public safety, and economic opportunity. Mayor Her will provide an update on the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the Twin Cities. As Co-Chair of the National APA Museum Commission, Chiling Tong will provide an update on recent developments, strategic priorities, and next steps toward establishing a national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture. She currently serves as President and CEO of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) and is the Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), a nonprofit organization established in 2000 to promote civic engagement, public service, and leadership development among college students and young professionals. An American Student in China In a recent Business Insider essay, Thomas Stack reflects on his 2013 study abroad experience at Zhejiang University (ZheDa 浙大) in Hangzhou, China — an institution that was recently ranked the world’s most productive research university by the Leiden Rankings. His account offers a compelling reminder of the value of cross-cultural academic exchange at a time when U.S.-China relations are often framed primarily through geopolitical tension. As a sophomore at Tufts University majoring in international relations and Mandarin, Stack sought broader global exposure. What he encountered at ZheDa exceeded expectations. He describes modern dormitories, affordable freshly prepared meals, and a sprawling, multi-campus university environment. His coursework included four hours of daily intensive language instruction, as well as lectures on Chinese peasant history and the Chinese legal system, taught by professors with firsthand experience in pivotal periods such as the Cultural Revolution. Most striking to Stack was the academic discipline of his Chinese classmates. Many had endured years of preparation for the highly competitive Gaokao national exam to gain admission to elite institutions like Zhejiang University. Unlike many American students accustomed to balancing academics with social life and travel, local students often devoted evenings and weekends to study. Grading standards were exacting, and even minor pronunciation or writing errors were marked down. When Stack later learned that Zhejiang University had surpassed global peers in research output, he was not surprised. His experience revealed a scale of academic rigor and talent development that challenged his assumptions about higher education. More importantly, he credits the experience with expanding his worldview and deepening his respect for international academic excellence. Stack’s reflection underscores a broader lesson: people-to-people exchange remains one of the most effective tools for fostering mutual understanding. Educational engagement builds perspective, reduces stereotypes, and strengthens the foundation for more informed dialogue between nations. Read the Business Insider essay: https://bit.ly/4kwwbVy 02/26 Webinar: Global Competition for Talent & International Students WHAT : Global Competition for Talent & International Students WHEN : February 26, 2026, 8:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOSTS : APA Justice, Committee of 100, US-China Education Trust Moderator : Margaret K. Lewis 陸梅吉 , Professor of Law, Seton Hall University School of Law Speakers: · Fanta Aw , Executive Director and CEO of Association of International Educators (NAFSA) · Steven Chu 朱棣文 , Professor of Stanford University and former U.S. Secretary of Energy REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/1-15email In Memoriam: Jesse Jackson (1941-2026) Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84 on February 17, 2026. He was an American civil rights activist, politician and ordained Baptist minister. A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel during the civil rights movement, he became one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Jackson played a notable role in the aftermath of the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin 陈果仁 , a Chinese American man in Detroit, which became a watershed moment for Asian American civil rights advocacy. Chin was beaten to death by two autoworkers who blamed Japanese competition for the decline of the U.S. auto industry, and the perpetrators initially received only probation and fines—a lenient sentence that outraged the Asian American community nationwide . Jackson publicly condemned the killing and the weak judicial response, framing it within the broader fight against racial violence and injustice. He helped elevate national attention to the case, encouraging dialogue between Black and Asian communities in Detroit and across the U.S. While historically tensions and misunderstandings existed between Black and Asian communities, particularly around economic competition in urban centers, Jackson consistently advocated for cross-racial solidarity. He supported the building of an Asian-Black coalition that sought to address systemic racism collectively, pushing for legislative reforms, hate-crime protections, and shared community empowerment. Over time, this coalition contributed to a broader awareness of Asian American civil rights issues within the national civil rights movement and highlighted the importance of multiracial alliances in combating racial violence and inequality. Jackson’s engagement in the Vincent Chin case exemplifies his lifelong commitment to justice, showing his willingness to stand with communities beyond his own and to leverage his platform to challenge systemic bias and advocate for unity among marginalized groups. Watch a PBS video of Jesse Jackson at Vincent Chin rally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3vdBbRrlr8 (0:51). Read the September 10, 2020 report by East Wind on “ Asian Americans and Jesse Jackson – From Vincent Chin to the Rainbow Coalition – A Conversation with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. ” News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/02/23 Sign On Deadline - Amicus Brief Opposing the Birthright Citizenship EO 14160 2026/02/24 Hearing: Estate of Dr. Jane Wu v. Northwestern 2026/02/26 Global Competition for Talent & International Students 2026/03/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/03/03 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Henry Tang Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. UC Riverside Chancellor S. Jack Hu Inauguration On February 5, 2026, University of California at Riverside held an inauguration ceremony for its 10th Chancellor Shixin Jack Hu 胡仕新 . Prior to UCR, he served as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Georgia. Previously, Dr. Hu served as vice president for research at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hu was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2015. A first-generation student, Dr. Hu earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Tianjin University in China before completing his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. Read more about Chancellor Hu: https://chancellor.ucr.edu/about-the-chancellor . Watch a video of the inauguration ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/Btf512TNRsQ (1:36:25). 3. Gary Locke in The News Deseret News recently sat down with former Ambassador Gary Locke 骆家辉 for an in-depth conversation on the current state of affairs. On February 15, 2026, it published a report of what he had to say about the question of “Is China a threat or an opportunity?” Read the Deseret News report: https://www.deseret.com/politics/2026/02/15/is-china-threat-or-opportunity-us-ambassador-gary-locke/ . According to Government Executive on February 10, 2026, Janet Yellen and Gary Locke recently honored by the National Academy of Public Administration for their lifetime of public service said career civil servants are the backbone of effective government and warned that their loss and demoralization threaten agencies’ ability to function. Janet Yellen , who was a senior leader in the Federal Reserve System during the 2008 financial crisis and Treasury secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic, said at the January 28 award ceremony that federal employees kept her grounded. Gary Locke — who served as a Cabinet secretary and state governor — likewise advised a future president to rebuild the federal workforce. For Locke, his experience across federal and state government reinforced a central lesson: political leaders set priorities, but career employees deliver results. Read the Government Executive report: https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2026/02/former-cabinet-secretaries-urge-federal-employees-keep-faith-despite-threats-civil-service/411336/ # # # 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 February 23, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

A group of prominent leaders in biomedical research warn that recent government actions with respect to Chinese scientists in the U.S. could threaten U.S. leadership in biomedical science. August 21, 2019 On August 21, 2019, a group of 150 prominent leaders in U.S. academic and industrial biomedical research and drug development published a letter titled " Chinese scientists and US leadership in the life sciences ," warning that recent actions by government agencies and universities with respect to Chinese scientists in the U.S. could threaten U.S. leadership in biomedical science. "We, the undersigned, are leaders in U.S. academic and industrial biomedical research and drug development. We are concerned that recent actions by government agencies and universities with respect to Chinese scientists in the U.S. could threaten U.S. leadership in biomedical science. Recently, some scientists from China, or American-born of Chinese heritage, have been summarily dismissed from their university positions, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty in our biomedical communities. Let us be clear: we must absolutely guard against foreign espionage and IP theft, and prosecute those who engage in it, whatever their origins. At the same time, actions that more broadly limit collaboration between Chinese and American scientists and companies would be deleterious to our national interests; so too would limitations on American residents of Chinese origin receiving government research funding or being employed by the NIH. In military wars between national adversaries, leaders often vilify “the other.” Our “war” unifies an international community of medical researchers to fight a common adversary, disease: cancers, immune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, infections, to name just a few. Vilifying or excluding any group as “the other” limits our ability to win this war. The United States’ unique constitution as a nation of immigrants has been fundamental to our world leadership in biomedical research and drug development. Our nation most prolifically attracts the best, most diverse talent from the entire world. This has enriched our economy and society. As a case in point, our preliminary research indicates that, since 1999, over 400,000 US patents have been issued to inventors of Chinese descent, and approximately 28% of U.S. biomedical science publications in 2018 included an author of Chinese descent. An atmosphere of intimidation will encourage many outstanding scientists of Chinese origin to leave the US or never to come. In addition, scientists from other countries who are working in the U.S. cannot fail to get the message that they may well be next. We also note that the vast majority of the results of academic biomedical research are not secret; their publication and open exchange are the cornerstone of our success against our common enemy of human disease and suffering. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.” We support the opinions recently published by the editors of Nature, Nature Biotechnology and by former NIH Director Elias Zerhouni , and advocate for measured policies that will both protect U.S. intellectual property and continue to foster the diversity and collaboration that fuel our ability to advance science and cure disease. At a minimum, universities must effectively communicate and consistently apply their rules governing scientific collaborations and IP obligations, and they, as well as government agencies, must clearly justify their actions when they accuse scientists of malfeasance or seek to dismiss them from their positions. Ronald Reagan said, “We lead the world, because unique among nations, we draw our people, our strength from every country and every corner of the world,” and, “If we ever close our door to new Americans, our leadership in the world will soon be lost.” Nowhere are these thoughts more pertinent than in biomedical science. If we are to prevail in humanity’s common quest to conquer disease, our surest route is to include any person able to contribute, regardless of country of origin, religion, race, gender, or other identity. The U.S. biomedical community stands for the principles of diversity and unity embedded in the founding principles of our country, without which our leadership indeed will soon be lost." Read the original letter here for all the signatories. A group of prominent leaders in biomedical research warn that recent government actions with respect to Chinese scientists in the U.S. could threaten U.S. leadership in biomedical science. Previous Next Pharmaceutical Chiefs and Scientists Support Chinese Researchers Living in ‘Climate of Fear’

Newsletter - #386 4/6 Meeting; Today's Webinar; JFK Award to Twin Cities People; 3/28 "No Kings" March+ #386 4/6 Meeting; Today's Webinar; JFK Award to Twin Cities People; 3/28 "No Kings" March+ In This Issue #386 · 04/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Reminder: Webinar Today: Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know · JFK Profile in Courage Award Goes to People of Twin Cities and Fed Chair · 03/28 “No Kings” March · News and Activities for the Communities 04/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, 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 are honored to welcome the following distinguished speakers: · Eric Zheng 郑艺荣 , President, American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai · Susan A. Thornton , Vice Chair, U.S. Heartland China Association · Susan Shirk , Research Professor; Director Emeritus, 21st Century China Center, University of California, San Diego Although the Trump-Xi summit has been postponed, U.S.-China relations remain the most consequential global issue of our time — with profound implications for trade, education, international exchange, and the well-being of Chinese Americans, Asian Americans, and immigrant communities nationwide. This meeting will bring together some of the most informed voices on these issues for a timely and wide-ranging conversation. 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 - Vincent Wang 王文奎 and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . Reminder: Webinar Today: Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know On March 24, 2026, starting at 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT, APA Justice, Asian American Advancing Justice | AAJC, Asian American Scholar Forum, and Committee of 100 will co-host a webinar on “ Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know. ” Moderator: Michael German , Retired Fellow, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice. Speakers: · Kaohly Her , Mayor, St. Paul, Minnesota. · Saira Hussain , Senior Staff Attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation. · Xiaoxing Xi , Laura H. Carnell Professor of Physics, Temple University. · John Yang , President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3N5BbEy RESOURCES: · APA Justice: Timeline Visualization of U.S. Mass Surveillance · APA Justice: Warrantless Surveillance Together, these four voices — a mayor, a civil liberties litigator, a wrongfully targeted scientist, and a civil rights leader — will help our community understand what is happening, why it matters, and what we can do about it. JFK Profile in Courage Award Goes to People of Twin Cities and Fed Chair According to The Hill , this year's John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award has been awarded jointly to the people of the Twin Cities, Minnesota and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell . The prestigious annual honor, awarded since 1989 by the Kennedy family, celebrates individuals and communities that demonstrate extraordinary political courage. A bipartisan panel reviews nominations and selects winners each year. The committee recognized Minnesota residents for their response to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations earlier this year — operations that drew national condemnation after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Their recognition is particularly meaningful to the APA community, as St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her — who spoke at our March 2 APA Justice monthly meeting and today’s webinar on Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown — has been among the most visible voices standing up for immigrant communities in the Twin Cities. "The people of the Twin Cities responded with extraordinary courage and resolve," the committee wrote. "Tens of thousands took to the streets to peacefully protest federal overreach and threats to immigrant families and constitutional protections, while others documented enforcement activity and alerted neighbors to federal agents' presence." Read The Hill report: https://bit.ly/47MrVfw 03/28 “No Kings” March "No Kings" is a nationwide grassroots protest movement that emerged in the United States in 2025 in opposition to what organizers describe as the authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration. The movement's core message is simple and foundational: America has no kings, and no president is above the law. The movement began in June 2025, when nationwide protests coincided with President Trump's birthday celebration and a military parade in Washington, D.C. marking the Army's 250th anniversary. Millions of Americans took to the streets to declare with one voice that the celebrations resembled a coronation more than a commemoration. Four months later, on October 18, 2025, over seven million Americans joined more than 2,700 events across all 50 states in a second wave of protests. On March 28, 2026, the movement reaches a new milestone. Over 3,000 protests are scheduled nationwide — organized by Indivisible and the ACLU — with California alone hosting over 300 events. Organizers anticipate it will be the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. The March 28 protests are taking place in direct response to the escalating ICE crackdown, including the recent killings of Renée Good , Keith Porter , and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement agents. The movement calls out the administration's targeting of immigrant families through racial profiling, warrantless arrests, and mass detention; its attacks on birthright citizenship and other constitutional rights; its gutting of healthcare, environmental protections, and education; and its economic policies that organizers say drive up costs for working families while delivering windfalls to billionaires. For the AAPI community, Stop AAPI Hate — one of the movement's official AAPI partner organizations — has made clear that the stakes are too high to stay silent, citing violent mass deportation efforts spreading fear across immigrant communities, attacks on birthright citizenship and fundamental constitutional rights, and targeted attacks against immigrants and communities of color. Other No Kings partners with particular relevance to the AAPI community include the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), North Carolina Asian Americans Together, and Hindus for Human Rights Action, as well as broader civil society partners such as the American Association of University Professors, Stand Up for Science, and the Union of Concerned Scientists — organizations whose missions intersect directly with the racial profiling and surveillance issues APA Justice has long tracked. All “No Kings” events are committed to nonviolent action. Protest Safety Training.is offered. Participants are expected to act lawfully and de-escalate any potential confrontations. Protest safely! Visit the “No Kings” website at https://www.nokings.org/ for more information on partners, training, and events near you. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/03/24 Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know 2026/03/25 The Perpetual Foreigner Stereotype: New Data on Asian American Experiences 2026/03/26 Who is Allowed to be a U.S. Citizen? Defending Birthright Citizenship and the Role of Asian American History 2026/03/28 “No Kings” March 2026/04/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/04/08 Perspectives on Careers in Arts and Entertainment 2026/04/14 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Anla ChengVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. NPR 2026 Voter Registration Guide Hansi Lo Wang , voting correspondent, National Public Radio (NPR), has updated the outlet's voter registration guide for the 2026 midterm primaries, covering deadlines, online registration links, and status-check tools for every U.S. state and territory. The guide required days of research due to the complexity of America's decentralized election system — registration rules, deadlines, and online availability vary widely by state, and seven states plus several territories offer no online registration at all. With USPS mail processing changes adding another wrinkle, Hansi Lo Wang advises voters not to wait until the last minute and to visit npr.org/vote to register or verify their status before their jurisdiction's deadline. Read Hansi Lo Wang’s post Untangling the U.S.' patchwork of elections and the NPR 2026 voter registration guide: https://apps.npr.org/voter-registration-2026-mail/ 3. 250 Champions of Public Service: A Celebration Worth Noting — and Building On The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and LocalGov250 have announced their 250 Champions honorees, recognizing outstanding public servants across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The initiative celebrates government employees who have gone above and beyond in service to their communities — from mayors and city managers to meter readers, librarians, fire chiefs, and sustainability coordinators. "There are many leaders working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them," said James-Christian Blockwood , President & CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. "These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives." The 250 Champions will be honored at a celebration preceding the ICMA National Conference in Philadelphia on May 12, 2026. APA Justice reviewed the full list and identified approximately 8 to 10 honorees who appear to be Asian Pacific Americans — among them Michelle Wu , Mayor of Boston and one of the most prominent AAPI elected officials in the country; Alexander Fung , Economic Development Manager in Eastvale, California; Clement Lau , Policy Advisor at the Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office; Kim Nakahodo , Deputy City Administrator in North Kansas City, Missouri; Sivaraman Anbarasan , Council At-Large in Franklin Township, New Jersey; and Amrinder Singh , Director of Licenses and Inspections in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania. At roughly 3 to 4 percent of the total honorees, AAPI representation in this cohort appears to fall below the community's share of the U.S. population, which stands at approximately 6 percent — and well below the AAPI community's outsized contributions to public service at the federal, state, and local levels. This gap is worth noting not to diminish the outstanding honorees who were recognized, but to encourage greater nomination and visibility of AAPI public servants in future cycles. Read the NAPA press release and full list of all 250 Champions: https://napawash.org/press-releases/250-public-service-champions # # # 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 March 24, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

July 17, 2019 On July 17, 2019, law.com published a commentary titled: “Daily Dicta: Prosecutions Don’t get much More Pathetic Than This Case Against a Louisiana Scientist.” “This case” refers to the prosecution of Dr. Ehab Meselhe , a prominent Egyptian American professor of the Department of River-Coastal Science and Engineering at Tulane University. There is a second defendant in the case, Mr. Kelin Hu (胡克林) , a computer scientist and research assistant professor at Tulane University who is a U.S. permanent resident born in China. Both men were charged by the U.S. government for conspiracy and attempt to steal trade secrets (a computer simulation program that models how the Mississippi River Delta might evolve due to environmental changes and projects the impact of proposed restoration efforts) and to commit computer fraud and abuse on May 29, 2019 (case number 3:19-cr-00061). According to a media report , Mr. Hu was dramatically escorted from the Water Institute of the Gulf building by Baton Rouge police officers and FBI agents. After the U.S. government admitted that “it cannot meet its burden of proof in this matter” on July 15, the case was dismissed by the Louisiana Middle District Court. “I was a federal prosecutor for 20 years in New Orleans, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Dr. Meselhe's lawyer. FBI Director Christopher Wray has testified in Congress on July 23 that The FBI has over 1,000 investigations open into attempted intellectual property theft, nearly all of them involving Chinese. Previous Next Another Bungled Economic Espionage Prosecution

From generation to generation, the Asian Pacific American communities have been resilient in fighting against discrimination and protecting their civil rights. It is a continuing effort that transcends the China Initiative, which again confirms the commitment and determination of the communities from elected officials to organizations and individuals. February 27, 2020 Table of Contents: Overview Protesting Petitioning Elected Officials and Policymakers Speaking Out Against Racial Profiling Support of CAPAC and Congressional Members Collecting and Studying Facts and Evidence Timely Response to Urgent Needs Launch of The Anti-Racial Profiling Project The Role of The Media and Telling Our Side of The Story Building and Sustaining Allies Dialogue with the AAU Technology and Yellow Whistle During Pandemic and Beyond Keeping Up with History and Education for the Next Generations Links and References Overview February 27, 2020, is a symbolic date. It was the day when University of Tennessee Professor Anming Hu, a Chinese Canadian, was indicted by the federal government. He was the first academic to go to trial under the China Initiative. Hu was not charged for economic espionage, but for wire fraud and making false statements. The trial revealed the zeal of the misguided “China Initiative” to criminalize Hu with reckless and deplorable tactics of spreading false information to cast him as a spy for China and press him to become a spy for the U.S. government. He was cleared of all charges, marking one of the major turning points in the China Initiative. Unlike other timecards in this series, this section describes the evolving strategies and approaches used by the communities to address the China Initiative. These communities include both within and outside the Asian Pacific American groups, as well as the scientific and academic individuals and organizations. Throughout history, Asian Pacific Americans have faced various forms of discrimination, including xenophobia, racism, and institutional biases. From the struggles of early immigrants facing exclusionary laws to contemporary battles against hate crimes and racial profiling, the resilience of Asian Pacific Americans remains a guiding force across generations. It spans beyond any single initiative, including the China Initiative, or a particular moment or issue. From elected officials to grassroots organizations and individual activists, there is a collective dedication and broad commitment to confronting injustices and advocating for equality for all. The China Initiative may highlight specific challenges, but it served to reinforce the resolve of Asian Pacific American communities to combat discrimination in all its forms. Ultimately, the resilience of Asian Pacific American communities serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations. Addressing discrimination and advocating for civil rights for all requires a multifaceted approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and different strategies must be employed to effectively combat injustices and promote equality. Despite the fears and threats instigated by the China Initiative, the communities used a combination of strategies and approaches to raise awareness and advocate; stand up and speak out; petition elected officials and policymakers; protest in person and in writing; talk and write to the media; collect facts and evidence; raise funds; educate; build allies; run for office and vote; and take legal action and go to court. Protesting Peaceful protest is a time-honored method of drawing attention to injustices and mobilizing collective action. Organizing protests, marches, and demonstrations can exert pressure on policymakers and institutions to address discriminatory practices. Organizations such as United Chinese Americans and the Asian American Scholars Forum, United Chinese Americans, and Tennessee Chinese American Alliance organized protests and rallies outside and inside the courthouses during the trials and hearings of Professors Franklin Tao and Anming Hu, as well as in front of the Department of Justice. References and Links 2023/09/20 Asian American Scholar Forum: Reminder to Attend Appeals Hearing of Professor Franklin Tao . 2022/01/11 United Chinese Americans: UCA Protest Outside DOJ and Press Conference for the Victims of the DOJ’s China Initiative–An Urgent Community Notice 2021/06/08 Tennessee Chinese American Alliance: Press Conference Statement on the trial of Professor Anming Hu Petitioning Elected Officials and Policymakers Writing letters, making phone calls, and organizing lobbying efforts were part of the persistent efforts during the China Initiative. About 30,000 persons joined a petition to then-President-Elect Joe Biden and called for the end of the China Initiative. Led by Stanford University faculty members, thousands of academics and researchers wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland to terminate the China Initiative. Maryland State Senator Susan Lee led successfully a coalition to call for a Congressional hearing on racial profiling of Asian American and Chinese scientists. References and Links 2021/09/08 Winds of Freedom: Stanford Faculty Members Open Letter to AG Garland to End the "China Initiative" 2021/04/09 Advancing Justice | AAJC: Petition of 30,000 People to President Biden Calling for End of the China Initiative 2021/02/01 Maryland State Senator Susan Lee: Calling for a Congressional Hearing on Racial Profiling of Asian American and Chinese Scientists 2021/01/05 Coalition: Letter to President-Elect Joe Biden Calling for End of “China Initiative.” Speaking Out Against Racial Profiling Speaking out against racial profiling is a powerful form of resistance. Whether it is confronting prejudice in everyday interactions or addressing systemic inequalities through public advocacy, individuals can make their voices heard and demand change. On March 22, 2019, three major scientific organizations voiced their concerns about racial profiling by publishing an open letter titled " Racial Profiling Harms Science " in Science. The Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA, 美洲华人生物科学学会), The Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network (CAHON, 美国华裔血液及肿瘤专家学会), and The Chinese Biological Investigators Society (CBIS, 华人生物学者教授学会) represent the largest and a rapidly growing professional group for scientists, mostly of Chinese descent, in many biomedical disciplines. The letter spells out the concerns about the recent political rhetoric and policies that single out students and scholars of Chinese descent working in the United States as threats to U.S. national interests. On April 7, 2019, the Committee of 100 (C100 百人会) issued a statement condemning racial profiling against Chinese Americans during its annual conference in New York. The statement responds to FBI Director Christopher Wray and a few high-level American government officials, respected media outlets, and opinion leaders who have stated or suggested in recent years that all Chinese persons in America should be suspected of wrongdoing. However, "overzealous criminal prosecutions in recent years of innocent individuals such as Sherry Chen and Xiaoxing Xi, like Wen Ho Lee before them, have embarrassingly fallen apart, while ruining lives for no reason. Such targeting of individuals based on their ethnic heritage or national origin violates our shared American ideals. It simply has to stop." "Racial profiling is wrong and un-American in our nation of democracy." The statement concludes that "by standing up and speaking out for what is right and just, Chinese Americans can help lead the way in answering the call that is always before us as Americans: to embody more perfectly the ideals and principles of this great nation we call home." References and Links 2019/04/07 Committee of 100: Committee of 100 Condemns Chinese American Racial Profiling 2019/03/22 Science: Racial Profiling Harms Science Support of CAPAC and Congressional Members The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) was established on May 16, 1994. Congressman Norman Y. Mineta, one of the founders of CAPAC, became its first Chair. CAPAC serves to ensure that legislation passed by the U.S. Congress reflects the interests and needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, educate fellow Members of Congress about the history and contributions of these communities, collaborate with other caucuses to protect civil rights, establish policies on legislation affecting individuals of Asian and/or Pacific Island ancestry in the United States, and coordinate the efforts of Asian American and Pacific Islander Members of Congress to achieve these goals. Since its founding, CAPAC has been a strong voice for the protection of the civil rights for the APA communities, especially in addressing the racial profiling issue and the China Initiative. Its efforts continue as CAPAC members themselves are also subject to racial profiling and McCarthyism. References and Links: 2024/01/23 CAPAC: CAPAC Members Lead Effort to Prevent the Relaunch Trump-Era China Initiative 2024/01/22 Rep. Grace Meng: Meng, Hirono and Chu Seek to Stop House Republicans From Relaunching Trump-era China Initiative 2023/04/26 CAPAC: In Joint USA Today Op-ed, CAPAC Members Chu, Krishnamoorthi Write: “In competition with Chinese Communist Party, anti-Asian rhetoric only divides” 2023/03/06 CAPAC: Chair Chu on MSNBC.com : "I am a target of the right’s new McCarthyism" 2023/02/23 CAPAC: CAPAC Statement on Rep. Gooden’s Xenophobic Remarks on Fox News 2022/11/14 CAPAC: CAPAC Chair Statement on Sherry Chen’s Settlement with Department of Commerce 2022/02/23 CAPAC: CAPAC Members Welcome End of China Initiative 2022/01/29 CAPAC: CAPAC Members Meet with Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen on China Initiative Concerns 2021/10/29 CAPAC: CAPAC Members and Attorney General Garland Discuss China Initiative, COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, and Language Access 2021/09/10 CAPAC: CAPAC Member Statements on Acquittal of Dr. Anming Hu After Mistrial Based on False Evidence 2021/07/30 CAPAC: CAPAC Chair Statement on Retrial of Dr. Anming Hu After Mistrial Based on False Evidence 2021/07/30 Rep. Ted Lieu: Rep. Lieu and 90 Members of Congress Urge DOJ Probe into Alleged Racial Profiling of Asians 2021/07/19 CAPAC: CAPAC Leaders Issue Guidance on Anti-China Messaging and Anti-Asian Violence 2021/06/30 Rep. Jamie Raskin: Roundtable Led by Reps. Raskin and Chu Hears about Effects of Ethnic Profiling Against Chinese American Scientists 2020/02/20 CAPAC: Raskin and Chu Launch Investigation into NIH and FBI Probes of Chinese Scientists 2020/01/20 Rep. Jamie Raskin: Raskin and Chu Launch Investigation into NIH and FBI Probes of Chinese Scientists 2019/07/17 CAPAC: CAPAC Members Applaud Successful Passage of Amendment to Address Racial Profiling of Chinese Americans 2018/02/15 CAPAC: CAPAC Members on Rubio and Wray’s Remarks Singling Out Chinese Students as National Security Threats Collecting and Studying Facts and Evidence Gathering data and evidence to substantiate claims of discrimination and refute false narratives is critical for building strong cases and advocating for systemic reforms. Conducting research, compiling testimonies, and documenting incidents of racial profiling provide compelling evidence to support advocacy efforts. Community and professional organizations, individual research, and the media have all contributed important data and studies about the China Initiative and racial profiling. References and Links 2021/12/14 Bloomberg Businessweek: China Initiative Set Out to Catch Spies. It Didn’t Find Many 2021/12/02 MIT Technology Review: The US crackdown on Chinese economic espionage is a mess. We have the data to show it 2021/12/02 MIT Technology Review: We built a database to understand the China Initiative. Then the government changed its records 2021/11/30 National Association of Scholars: Cracking Down on Illegal Ties to China 2021/11/05 New York Law Journal: DOJ’s China Initiative’s Three-Year Anniversary: Growing Pains and Uncertainty 2021/11/04 NPR: DOJ's China Initiative aims to counter theft of U.S. secrets and technology 2021/10/28 Committee of 100/University of Arizona: Racial Profiling Among Scientists of Chinese Descent and Consequences for the U.S. Scientific Community 2021/10 American Physical Society: Research Security Policies & Their Impacts: Key Results of APS Member Survey 2021/09/28 Law360: 'Overheated': How A Chinese-Spy Hunt At DOJ Went Too Far 2021/09/21 Committee of 100: Racial Disparities in Economic Espionage Act Prosecutions: A Window Into The New Red Scare 2021/09/14 SSRN: Red Scare? A Study of Ethnic Prejudice in the Prosecutions under the Economic Espionage Act , PIER Working Paper No. 21-022 2021/08/18 Jeremy Wu: The Importance of Data in Fighting Racial Profiling: from FedCases to "China Initiative” and Beyond 2021/02/09 Cato Institute: Espionage, Espionage‐Related Crimes, and Immigration: A Risk Analysis, 1990–2019 Timely Response to Urgent Needs On July 24, 2020, the U.S. ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, accusing it to be a "spy center" to conduct spying activities with local medical centers or universities. At about the same time, five researchers from China were arrested and alleged to be spies for China’s military. FBI agents began to knock on doors to demand interviews with persons of Chinese descent, creating widespread fear and anguish in the Chinese American community in Houston. On July 26, 2020, The Intercept published an article: Was The Chinese Consulate in Houston Really a Hotbed of Economic Espionage? According to the article, “people close to China-related investigations in Houston say the decision to close the consulate may be more about politics than spy threats.” During the APA Justice meeting on August 3, 2020, Houston community leaders provided on-the-ground reports and expressed grave concerns about a "witch hunt for spies” by the FBI to use Chinese Americans as “scapegoat” to justify the political claim, for which the U.S. government provided little supporting evidence. Local community leaders appealed to Congress to de-escalate the situation, rein in the rhetoric and irresponsible actions, and provide oversight to protect the civil rights of Chinese Americans. Within three days, OCA, UCA, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and the Asian American Bar Association of Houston co-hosted a “Know Your Rights” webinar on August 6, 2020, to address the urgent question, "What to do if you are questioned by the FBI or police?" Over 850 participated in the webinar. 2020年7月24日，美国命令中国关闭驻休斯敦领事馆，指责其为“间谍中心”，与当地医疗中心或大学进行间谍活动。五名来自中国的研究人员同时被捕，并被指控为中国军方的间谍。联邦调查局（FBI）特工开始挨家挨户敲门要求对在美华人进行采访，在休斯敦的华裔社区中制造了恐惧和痛苦。 7月26日，《拦截》杂志发表一篇文章： 中国驻休斯敦领事馆真的是经济间谍活动的温床吗 ？ 文章称，“接近休斯敦与有关中国的调查人员说，关闭领事馆的决定可能更多是关于政治，而不是间谍威胁。” 在 2020 年 8 月 3 日的 APA Justice 每月例会中，休斯顿社区领袖提供了实地报告，并对 FBI 利用华裔美国人作为“替罪羊”来为政治主张辩护的“政治迫害”表示担忧。美国政府对 “间谍中心” 的指控提供很少支持证据。 当地社区领袖呼吁国会缓和局势，遏制言论和不负责任的行为，并提供监督以保护华裔美国人的公民权利。 三天之内，2020年8月6日，OCA，UCA，Advancing Justice | AAJC 和其他组织共同举办“了解您的权利”网络研讨会，以解决紧急问题：“如果FBI或警察对您提出质疑，该怎么办？ ” 超过 850 人参加了此次网络研讨会。 References and Links 2020/07/26 Intercept: Was The Chinese Consulate in Houston Really a Hotbed of Economic Espionage ? 2020/07/23 Department of Justice: Researchers Charged with Visa Fraud After Lying About Their Work for China’s People’s Liberation Army 2020/07/22 NPR: U.S. Orders China's Houston Consulate To Close, Ratcheting Tensions 2019/08/21 Department of Justice: University of Kansas Researcher Indicted for Fraud for Failing to Disclose Conflict of Interest with Chinese University 2019/06/13 Bloomberg Business: The U.S. Is Purging Chinese Cancer Researchers From Top Institutions . 2019/04/19 Science: Exclusive: Major U.S. cancer center ousts ‘Asian' researchers after NIH flags their foreign ties . Launch of Anti-Racial Profiling Project While short-term actions such as in Houston were necessary, readily available resources were also being developed. On October 7, 2020, Advancing Justice | AAJC launched the Anti-Racial Profiling Project after several months of preparation. The goal of the project is to be a resource, advocate for non-discriminatory policies, provide legal expertise, and to lift up the voices of those impacted by the U.S. government’s increased efforts to target and profile Asian American and Asian immigrant scientists and researchers, particularly of Chinese descent. The concept was advanced by Frank Wu, now President of Queen’s College of the City University of New York, by an essay on “Why You Need A Lawyer.” Initial seed funding was provided by Clarence Kwan, former Chair of Committee of 100, and others. Gisela Perez Kusakawa served as the inaugural director of the project. Individuals seeking legal referral should contact AAJC via the Signal app with the number 202-935-6014 or text ONLY a name and phone number to 202-935-6014 and wait for an AAJC staff member to make direct contact. The project was expanded into the Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program in 2022 with the purpose of combating profiling and protecting the rights of Asian Americans and immigrants through policy advocacy, legal referrals, coalition building, and education for policymakers, the media and the general public. Joanna YangQing Derman is the current director of the program. References and Links 2020/10/07 AsAmNews: AAJC launches Anti-Racial Profiling Project 2020/10/07 Advancing Justice | AAJC: Launch of Anti-Racial Profiling Project Webinar (video 1:00:49) 2020/10/07 Advancing Justice | AAJC: Anti-Racial Profiling Project Description 2020/10/07 Advancing Justice | AAJC: Anti-Racial Profiling Project Webinar Presentation Package 2020/10/07 APA Justice: Anti-Racial Profiling Project Webinar by Dr. Jeremy Wu 2020/10/06 Advancing Justice | AAJC: Anti-Racial Profiling Project Press Briefing (video 52:28) 2020/04/17 Frank Wu: Why You Need A Lawyer 2020/04/17 Frank Wu: Why You Need A Lawyer 2020/04/17 吴华扬: 您为什么需要律师 Know Your Rights by ACLU : What do you do if the FBI or police contact you for questioning? 知道您的权利 （ACLU）：如果FBI或警察联系您进行询问，您应怎么做？ The Role of The Media and Telling Our Side of The Story Asian Americans must share their experiences and tell their side of the story about racial profiling to the media and the public as the government possesses significantly greater resources and access to disseminate its information. By voicing their perspectives, Asian Americans can ensure that their stories are heard and understood, contributing to a more comprehensive and accurate narrative regarding racial profiling and its impacts on the individuals and communities. This proactive engagement can help counteract misconceptions and biases, promote empathy and understanding, and advocate for policies and practices that address racial injustice effectively. Several media reports have significant impacts at different stages of the China Initiative: In August 2018, prior to the launch of the China Initiative, the Houston Chronicle reported an unusual FBI meeting with top leaders from academic and medical institutions in Houston to address security threats posed by foreign adversaries, signaling the launch of a new nationwide initiative. Houston, being a hub of academic and research institutions, was chosen as the starting location for this initiative. In April 2019, Science and the Houston Chronicle collaborated to produce a series of on-site reports revealing the targeting of Chinese American researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center by the FBI and NIH, subjecting the researchers to undisclosed investigations, searches of email accounts unknown to the individuals, and video surveillance. “MD Anderson officials maintain they had little choice but to act after they received letters from NIH detailing allegations and concerns about the researchers.” In essence, MD Anderson threw its faculty under the bus. The reports further deepened the concerns of racial profiling. In June 2019, Bloomberg Business published an investigative report titled “The U.S. is purging Chinese scientists in a new Red Scare,” identifying the NIH and FBI for targeting ethnic Chinese scientists, including U.S. citizens, searching for a cancer cure. It provided the first account of what happened to Dr. Xifeng Wu 吴息凤. In June 2021, University of Tennessee Knoxville Professor Anming Hu became the first academic to go to trial under the China Initiative. Knox News covered the trial end to end, providing a series of shocking, insightful reports as the trial progressed. Thanks to Knox News reporting, especially by reporter Jamie Sattefield, by the time Professor Hu was acquitted of all charges on September 9, 2021, his case would become a symbol of a failed, overreaching China Initiative. In December 2021, MIT Technology Review published not one but two investigative reports. Less than three months later, the Department of Justice announced the end of the China Initiative. Following a proposal by Paula Madison , businesswoman and retired executive from NBCUniversal, in April 2023, APA Justice hosted a virtual Inaugural roundtable to assertively address immediate xenophobic challenges to our freedoms and consider longer-term proactive actions to ensure fairness and justice for all, including the AAPI and immigrant communities. Over 100 community representatives attended and spoke at the online event. Efforts to build a national media network to strengthen the presence and voice of Asian Pacific American communities is an ongoing effort. References and Links 2023/04/03 APA Justice: Paula Madison Speaks at APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2021/12/02 MIT Technology Review: The US crackdown on Chinese economic espionage is a mess. We have the data to show it 2021/12/02 MIT Technology Review: We built a database to understand the China Initiative. Then the government changed its records 2021/09/09 Knox News: Former Tennessee professor acquitted of fraud charges in espionage investigation 2021/08/02 Knox News: Former University of Tennessee professor falsely accused of espionage faces second trial 2021/07/29 Knox News: How the FBI manipulated the University of Tennessee to find a Chinese spy who didn't exist 2021/06/16 Knox News: Trump Administration's first 'China Initiative' prosecution sputters as jurors deadlock 2021/06/14 Knox News: With spy case a bust, feds seek fraud conviction against University of Tennessee professor 2021/06/13 Knox News: Trial reveals federal agents falsely accused a UT professor born in China of spying 2021/06/09 Knox News: University of Tennessee assured NASA that professor had no prohibited ties to China 2021/06/07 Knox News: Trial of former UT professor centers on whether he concealed ties to Chinese university 2019/06/13 Bloomberg Business: The U.S. Is Purging Chinese Cancer Researchers From Top Institutions 2019/04/23 Science: After ousters, MD Anderson officials try to calm fears of racial profiling 2019/04/19 Science: Exclusive: Major U.S. cancer center ousts ‘Asian' researchers after NIH flags their foreign ties 2018/08/09 Houston Chronicle: FBI warns Texas academic and medical leaders of ‘classified’ security threats Building and Sustaining Allies The Asian Pacific American community needs allies to fight racial profiling because collective action and solidarity amplify their voices and increase their effectiveness in advocating for change. Allies from within our subpopulations, professional disciplines, and other racial and ethnic groups, as well as advocacy organizations and community leaders, can provide support, raise awareness, and challenge systemic injustices. Additionally, allies can help bridge gaps in understanding and empathy, highlight the intersections of racial profiling with other forms of discrimination, and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice for all. “Recent immigrants,” meaning primarily those who came from China within the last 30-40 years, now compose more than half of the Chinese American population, outnumbering the native-borns and the “old immigrants” who came from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other parts of the world after the enactment of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act. As the main victims of the China Initiative, “recent immigrants” have also become new advocates and leaders opposing racial profiling and the China Initiative. United Chinese Americans (UCA) and the Asian American Scholars Forum (AASF) are two of these organized efforts. The scientific and academic community is among the strongest allies during and after the China Initiative, engaging in every phase of advocacy, protest, and policymaking. References and Links 2023/01/12 Migration Policy Institute: Chinese Immigrants in the United States 2022/06 AAPI Data: State of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in The United States 2022/02/23 Asian American Scholars Forum: Asian American Scholar Forum Welcomes the End of China Initiative 2022/01/11 United Chinese Americans: Press Conference for the Victims of the DOJ's China Initiative (online) and A Silent Protest in DC 2021/11/05 Science: China Initiative spawns distrust and activism 2021/10/29 University World News: Racial profiling of Chinese scientists is spreading fear 2021/09/08 Winds of Freedom: Stanford Faculty Members Open Letter to AG Garland to End the "China Initiative" 2021/09/01 American Physical Society: Letter to AG Garland and OSTP Director Eric Lander Dialogue with the AAU Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities (AAU) is composed of America’s leading research universities which collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society. On September 9, 2022, Dr. Steven Pei and Dr. Jeremy Wu, Co-Organizers of APA Justice, joined a virtual meeting with Senior Research Officers at AAU. The meeting was moderated by Roger Wakimoto, Vice Chancellor for Research, UCLA. It included a 10-minute presentation by Drs. Pei and Wu on "Academic Freedom and Engaging Faculty on Campus - The Asian American Perspective" and a package of backgrounds and references , followed by questions and answers, and robust and productive discussions. The meeting continues our engagement and collaboration with AAU after Toby Smith, Vice President for Science Policy & Global Affairs, spoke at the APA Justice monthly meeting on June 6, 2022. Four wishes from the Asian American faculty perspective were presented to AAU: Engage faculty in the development and implementation of NSPM-33 and similar policies on campus to make sure clear instruction, sufficient support, and proper training are provided to faculty, researchers, and administrative staff. “Establish (an independent or joint with faculty senate) committee (preferably led by a Chinese American faculty) to evaluate, define and protect the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of faculty and administration in cases involving the investigation of faculty by outside agencies” - a resolution passed by the faculty senate of a founding member of AAU Offer and publicize first response followed by independent legal assistance. Consider legal insurance in the long term. Help faculty, staffs, and students to resolve visa, border entry, and related issues. References and Links 2022/09/09 Steven Pei and Jeremy Wu: Academic Freedom and Engaging Faculty on Campus The Asian American Perspective 2022/09/09 Steven Pei and Jeremy Wu: Academic Freedom and Engaging Faculty on Campus The Asian American Perspective - Additional Background and References 2022/06/06 APA Justice: Summary of APA Justice Monthly Meeting on June 6, 2022 Technology and Yellow Whistle During Pandemic and Beyond A year after the launch of the China Initiative, the COVID pandemic hit the Asian American community with two viruses simultaneously - the pathological coronavirus and the social injustice virus. Anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes spiked across the nation when increasing awareness about the prevalence and impact of discrimination was crucial. In times when physical gatherings are limited or not feasible, webinars, virtual events, and social media became powerful tools to maintain communications, share personal experiences, organize educational events, and amplify marginalized voices. These platforms enable organizations to host meetings, workshops, and conferences remotely, allowing participants from diverse geographical locations to come together, share ideas, and collaborate effectively. They provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, especially in short notice situations. On Patriots Day, April 19, 2021, The Yellow Whistle Project was started by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and her husband Oscar Tang, Li-En Chong, and others in response to the anti-Asian hate and violence. The color yellow was chosen to signal the advent of spring, bringing hope, optimism, and enlightenment. 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. The Yellow Whistle carries a simple and yet powerful message: “We Belong.” Over 800,000 Yellow Whistles have been distributed across the country to date. It continues as a symbol of hope, strength, and resilience for all Americans. References and Links The Yellow Whistle website: https://www.theyellowwhistle.org/ 2021/09/05 Axios: How the yellow whistle became a symbol against anti-Asian hate Keeping Up with History and Education for the Next Generations “Those Who Do Not Learn History Are Doomed To Repeat It.” Effectively incorporating the lessons from the China Initiative into education for future generations demands a multifaceted strategy that encompasses various key elements, including: Preservation of Facts and Information Development of a Comprehensive Curriculum Application of Interactive Learning Methods Promotion of Dialogue and Reflection Engagement with Communities Commitment to Continued Learning and Adaptation References and Links 2023/03/23 1990 Institute: Exclusion: The Shared Asian American Experience 2022/06/13 Representative Grace Meng: Meng Legislation Seeking to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum Signed into Law by President Biden From generation to generation, the Asian Pacific American communities have been resilient in fighting against discrimination and protecting their civil rights. It is a continuing effort that transcends the China Initiative, which again confirms the commitment and determination of the communities from elected officials to organizations and individuals. Previous Next 5. Communities Respond with Resilience

Newsletter - #77 Role Of UTK And Timeline; FOIA Request To NIH; "China Initiative;" Yellow Whistle #77 Role Of UTK And Timeline; FOIA Request To NIH; "China Initiative;" Yellow Whistle Back View PDF August 9, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #212 10/2 Meeting; Section 702 Reforms; Anti-Asian Racism in the US; 2020 Census Data; More #212 10/2 Meeting; Section 702 Reforms; Anti-Asian Racism in the US; 2020 Census Data; More In This Issue #212 2023/10/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Report on The Warrantless Surveillance Program and Section 702 Reforms Report on Anti-Asian Racism in The United States 2020 Census Data for Nearly 1,500 Detailed Race and Ethnicity Groups, Tribes and Villages News and Activities for the Communities 2023/10/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, October 2, 2023, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Joanna Derman , Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), and Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Partner, DeHeng Law Offices 德恒律师事务所, confirmed speakers will also include: Nancy Chen , Founding President, Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA) on the history of CAWA and its interests and concerns in Illinois and national issues Andy Wong , Managing Director of Advocacy, Chinese for Affirmative Action, on the coalition letter on Section 702 reforms, responses, and related CAA activities such as the recently launched "Stop The Blame" campaign Haipei Shue (薛海培) , President, United Chinese Americans, on the recent hearings of Professor Feng " Franklin" Tao 陶丰 's appeal in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver and the administrative trial of New York Police Department Officer Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 in New York City (new addition) The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. 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 NOTE : A shutdown of the federal government happens when Congress fails to pass some type of funding legislation that is signed into law by the president. Funding expired on September 30, 2023, but a 45-day stop-gap bill was signed into law at the last minute to continue government operation until November 17, 2023. Report on The Warrantless Surveillance Program and Section 702 Reforms On September 28, 2023, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) released a 297-page report titled "Report on The Surveillance Program Operated Pursuant to Section 702 of The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act." According to The Hill on October 1, 2023, "the PCLOB report reveals deep divisions among its five members on how to reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows for warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad. "In a departure from precedent, the report did not reach unanimous conclusions about how to update the law, a confusing prospect as a Congress divided on Section 702 stares down an end-of-the-year deadline to renew it. "The board’s two Republican-appointed members voted against its release, said its findings should not be attributed to them and attached their recommendations in a 56-page annex that read almost like a second report. "Civil liberties advocates have long viewed Section 702 as a backdoor for gaining access to information on Americans, whose communications get swept up in searches as they speak with those being surveilled abroad. It’s a factor they see as a violation of Sixth Amendment rights and a particular risk to Black and other communities of color. "The report, however, includes a third rail for the intelligence community — a suggestion the intelligence community first get a court order before reviewing any intel gleaned on Americans. "Doing so, PCLOB’s majority writes, would offer the 'most critical safeguard for Americans’ privacy rights.' "The FBI spied on 119,000 Americans last year, a sharp decline that reflects changes in FBI policy for how the agency accesses the information of citizens swept up in other searches. Still, an unsealed opinion from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, the entity that would oversee the court order process recommended by the report, recently unsealed an opinion showing a string of abuses, including reviewing information on elected officials. "The inclusion of a recommendation to get a court order before reviewing information gathered on Americans and permanent residents was celebrated by civil liberties groups that have long pushed for such a requirement. " Elizabeth Goitein , senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, called the report an 'ironclad case for requiring a probable-cause order for U.S. person queries.'" On September 14, 2023, a coalition of 52 Asian American organizations wrote to Congress to oppose the renewal of Section 702 of FISA unless significant revisions are put into place. The letter, led by Asian American Scholae Forum (AASF), Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) and Stop AAPI Hate, wrote "with a sense of urgency and a shared commitment to safeguarding the principles of justice, equality, and privacy in our nation. As Asian Americans and allies, we understand all too well the perils of unchecked national security programs and the historical discrimination our community has endured. Our shared history serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of racial profiling and prejudice in the name of national security." Read the coalition letter: https://bit.ly/3LkEmnt . Read the PCLOB report: https://bit.ly/3PEutm3 . According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) , in May 2017, Professor Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 filed a lawsuit against the lead FBI agent in the case, Andrew Haugen , and other agents, alleging that they made knowingly or recklessly false statements in support of the investigation and prosecution. Xi’s wife and oldest daughter later joined the case. The ACLU joined the case in October 2017. The lawsuit asks the court to award damages and to declare that the defendants violated the plaintiffs’ Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights. It also asks the court to order the government to return or delete any of the Xis’ communications that it obtained during the investigation. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals allowed Xi and his family to pursue their lawsuit against the U.S. government in May 2023. Report on Anti-Asian Racism in The United States On September 27, 2023, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) released its 2023 statutory enforcement report, The Federal Response to Anti-Asian Racism in the United States . The report assesses the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021, and the federal role in preventing and enforcing federal hate crime laws. According to USCCR, the report examines three main areas: 1) national trends and data regarding the rise of hate incidents and hate crimes against members of Asian communities; 2) local and state law enforcement’s prevention and reporting practices regarding hate crimes; and 3) federal efforts and policies that encourage greater participation in reporting hate crime incidents, as well as prosecution and enforcement efforts to prevent hate crimes. The report highlights that language barriers hinder the reporting of incidents, and many incidents, even if they don’t meet legal hate crime criteria, still evoke fear and are not accounted for in official statistics. A major impediment is the lack of comprehensive data and reporting in understanding the severity of hate crimes against individuals of Asian descent. The report notes that the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System has been slow for some agencies, leading to incomplete data. The Commission proposes a “holistic strategy” to combat anti-Asian hate incidents, including improvements in data collection, legal enforcement, community support and education initiatives. It recommends urging prosecutors and law enforcement to vigorously investigate and prosecute hate crimes against Asian Americans and providing first responders with training on identifying hate crimes. It also highlights the need to address language barriers in federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and victim services. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency established by Congress in 1957. Its mission is to inform the development of national civil rights policy and enhance enforcement of federal civil rights laws. Read the USCCR report: https://bit.ly/3ZB9llm 2020 Census Data for Nearly 1,500 Detailed Race and Ethnicity Groups, Tribes and Villages On September 21, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau released 2020 Census population counts and sex-by-age statistics for 300 detailed race and ethnic groups, as well as 1,187 detailed American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) tribes and villages. On the Asian Population Among Asian respondents, Asian Indian was the largest alone group (4.4 million) and Chinese, except Taiwanese the largest alone or in any combination group (5.2 million). Filipino (4.4 million), Vietnamese (2.3 million), Korean (2.0 million), and Japanese (1.6 million) all had alone or in any combination populations over 1 million in 2020. The Nepalese population was the fastest growing Asian group among those with populations of 50,000 or more in 2010. The Nepalese alone population increased 295.5% from 51,907 in 2010 to 205,297 in 2020, and the Nepalese alone or in any combination population grew 269.0% from 59,490 to 219,503 over the decade. On the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Population Native Hawaiian was the largest Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) alone group (199,880) and alone or in any combination group (680,442). Nearly all NHPI groups grew from 2010 to 2020. The Chuukese alone population was the fastest growing NHPI alone group, increasing 296.2% to 10,500 in 2020. The fastest growing NHPI alone or in any combination group was Papua New Guinean, which increased by 249.3% to 1,453 people during the decade. Read the Census Bureau news release: https://bit.ly/3rAYGdQ . Read the breakdown on the Asian population: h ttps://bit.ly/3PwxDby News and Activities for the Communities 1. Community Calendar The APA Justice Community Calendar is located on the front page of the APA Justice website at https://www.apajustice.org/ . Upcoming Events: 2023/10/02 APA Justice October Monthly Meeting 2023/10/08 Rep. Gene Wu's Weekly Town Hall Meeting 2023/10/12 Expert Panel on Open Data for Racial Equity 2023/10/12 C100 Webinar - Race-Based Admissions and the Supreme Court Court: An Asian American Perspective 2023/10/12 The FBI and Chinese Americans - From the Investigation and Defense Frontline 2023/10/15 State Legislature 101 Training 2023/10/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Weekly Town Hall Meeting 2023/10/22 Rep. Gene Wu's Weekly Town Hall Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. 2023/10/12 Webinar: The FBI and Chinese Americans WHAT: On-site event - The FBI and Chinese American Community: Stories and Tips from the Investigation and Defense Frontline WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT WHERE: Santa Clara University School of Law, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 HOSTS: The Chinese American Lawyers of the Bay Area (CALOBA) and the Chinese American Semiconductor Professional Association (CASPA) DESCRIPTION: "A conversation with the FBI on criminal trade secret theft at the Santa Clara University School of Law. As members of the Chinese American community, we are committed to protecting our shared interests and promoting a safe and prosperous environment for all. Please join us and learn some frontline stories and practical tips offered by our distinguished panelists based on their decades of experience in the field!" REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/46cHiei 3. Foreign Affairs Essay: The Dysfunctional Superpower According to a Foreign Affairs essay on September 29, 2023, a looming government shutdown, a partisan impeachment inquiry, and the former president facing multiple felony charges across four criminal cases. Add to this chaos a presidential election and it’s fair to say that the U.S. political system will be preoccupied with its own drama and division for some time. Such paralysis could not come at a worse time. The United States should be in a strong position to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping —but “dysfunction has made American power erratic and unreliable, practically inviting risk-prone autocrats to place dangerous bets,” the essay said. “The United States finds itself in a uniquely treacherous position: facing aggressive adversaries with a propensity to miscalculate yet incapable of mustering the unity and strength necessary to dissuade them.” Only by working together can U.S. leaders contend with such grave threats. And “therein lies the rub.” Robert M. Gates , author of the essay, is former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Read the Foreign Policy essay: https://fam.ag/3LNONjN Back View PDF October 2, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #249 4/19 C100 Conference/Miami Rally; FISA Vote; Dr. Underwood; Citizenship Question; + #249 4/19 C100 Conference/Miami Rally; FISA Vote; Dr. Underwood; Citizenship Question; + In This Issue #249 · Committee of 100 Conference and Miami Rally on April 19, 2024 · Second Vote on Reauthorization of FISA Coming Up in House? · Dr. Robert Underwood on AANHPISI and Bogus Rhetoric of Espionage · Opposition to Citizenship Question in Future Census - Founding Fathers were "Illegals" · News and Activities for the Communities Committee of 100 Conference and Miami Rally on April 19, 2024 1. Committee of 100 Conference in New York City This session on "The Impact of U.S.-China Tensions on Asian Americans in Government" in the Committee of 100 Conference was inadvertently left out of the previous newsletter. The conference will be held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on April 19, 2024. In an environment where U.S.-China geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, Asian Americans serving in the federal government often find themselves unfairly treated when it comes to postings and assignments. The panel will explore the nuanced potential barriers to career advancement that spin from the tensions with China, the complexities of obtaining security clearances and the uncomfortable scrutiny regarding loyalty that Asian Americans endure due to concerns over foreign influence.Speakers: · Carol Lam , Former United States Attorney, Southern District of California · Chuck Rosenberg , Former United States Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia · Andy Kim , Representative, United States Congress · Jiashen You , PhD, Chief Data Officer, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Moderator: · Paula Madison , Chair & CEO, 88 Madison Media Inc. For more information about the C100 conference and registration: https://bit.ly/4d9giAD 2. Community Rally Against Florida's Anti-Chinese Alien Land Law in Miami On April 19, 2024, a community rally will be held at 99 NE 4th Street, Miami, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit will hold a hearing on the Shen vs. Simpson lawsuit. The rally supports overturning Florida's hateful and discriminatory property law known as SB 264, which unconstitutionally bans many Chinese immigrants from buying homes in Florida.The rally is sponsored by · Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA) · United Chinese Americans (UCA) · Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) · League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Florida · Stop AAPI Hate Second Vote on Reauthorization of FISA Coming Up in House? According to the Washington Post , the House reauthorized a part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in a bipartisan vote of 273-147 on Friday, April 12, 2024. The reauthorization window was shortened from five to two years. The post-9/11 provision known as Section 702 of FISA gave U.S. spy agencies the ability to collect without a warrant the communications of noncitizens abroad who are suspected of threatening U.S. national security or whose emails and text messages might provide foreign intelligence. At issue is whether spy agencies can analyze communications by Americans who may have interacted with foreign targets, which privacy advocates on the far right and left say is unconstitutional.An amendment to require a warrant if the FBI wants to analyze Americans’ communications swept up under Section 702 was not adopted because of a tie vote of 212-212.Privacy advocates decried the bill’s passage without a warrant requirement. Elizabeth Goitein , senior director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program, characterized lawmakers who supported the vote for passage of the bill as “a craven betrayal of the Americans who placed their faith in these members to protect their rights.”Stark opposition from another bipartisan group of lawmakers moved far-right members to compel a motion to reconsider the legislation, forcing the House to vote the following week on defending the measure and stalling its passage to the Senate, which must act before a lapse occurs on April 19, 2024.Read the Washington Post report : https://wapo.st/4aTgp13 . During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 8, 2024, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC, reported on the fast pace movement on the FISA Section 702 reauthorization legislation. The second vote in the House, as reported by the Washington Post , may be procedural.On April 14, 2024, the Brennan Center published a one-pager detailing how the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA) authorizes the largest expansion of surveillance on domestic soil since the Patriot Act. According to the one-pager, the administration obtained approval from the FISA Court on April 4 to continue conducting Section 702 surveillance until April of 2025. According to the government itself, that approval will “grandfather” Section 702 surveillance for a year even if Section 702 itself were to lapse. "The Senate must not let a meaningless deadline pressure it into creating a surveillance state," the one-pager said. Dr. Robert Underwood on AANHPISI and Bogus Rhetoric of Espionage Dr. Robert Underwood gave remarks on two topics during the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 8, 2024. He joined the meeting from Guam around 4:00 am Chamorro standard time. It is the only time zone that is named after a people. On January 24, 2000, Congress passed the Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Standard Time Zone Act. The Act established the Chamorro standard time zone for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The term Chamorro refers to the culture and people of that area. Dr. Underwood is former President of the University of Guam and former Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). He is currently a Member of the President's Advisory Commission AA and NHPI, serving on the data disaggregation and higher education subcommittee. One topic the Commission has been advocating is higher education, particularly the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander serving institutions (AANHPISI). There are almost 200 such institutions across the country. About half of the AANHPI enrollment goes to AANHPISI institutions. Based on FY 2022 appropriations, AANHPISI institutions would receive approximately $75,000.There is a wide variety of minority serving institution programs in almost every federal agency. However, when AANHPISI applies, sometimes the agencies are hesitant because they do not really understand this network, which has been around for a couple of decades. There are calls for advocacy and some actions by federal agencies on this basis. In Guam and the Northern Marianas, one of the issues that has surfaced is the number of undocumented immigrants coming from the Northern Marianas to Guam on boats.The Northern Marianas is also a US territory, but they have a unique agreement where people can come from China without a visa as tourists and stay for 2 weeks. In the past couple years, about 100 to 200 people have rented a boat or get dropped from boats into Guam.According to the Stars and Stripes , there had been 118 unlawful or attempted unlawful entries by Chinese citizens to Guam since 2022 - 85 in 2022, 27 in 2023, and six were reported for the first two months of 2024.Some think tanks and Congressional members have surfaced the narrative that this stream of potential Chinese migrants is coming in to conduct espionage on military facilities in Guam, despite the fact that immigration authorities in Honolulu which oversee Guam and the Marianas have stated repeatedly there is no reason to believe the espionage allegation, Even though there is no basis for the espionage and no one has been charged, everyone starts looking at each other trying to figure out what is going on and looking at the neighbors wondering why the neighbors are here. Dr. Underwood reiterated that the hype of espionage is bogus. There is no truth in it. They are just economic migrants looking for a job and better opportunities.It is very dispiriting and irresponsible to use a little bit of data to create a false impression. Dr. Underwood is working with a think tank called the Pacific Center for Island Security to do its best to bring full understanding to that situation. Dr. Underwood applauds the recent rally and continuing efforts against Florida's state law known as SB 846 that restricts academic exchange and collaborations, including the hiring of graduate students based on their national origin. Dr. Underwood suggests that this is an opportunity to generate community support and understanding across the country. Everything is a new opportunity.A summary for the monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. 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 . Opposition to Citizenship Question in Future Census - Founding Fathers were "Illegals" According to the Brennan Center for Justice on April 11, 2024, leading civil rights organizations and good government groups are pressing the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability to oppose the Equal Representation Act (H.R. 7109), a bill proposing to add a citizenship question to the 2030 Census and to exclude non-citizens from the national head count used to apportion the House. In a letter to Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the 74 signatories – which include the Brennan Center for Justice – detailed the serious constitutional and practical problems with the bill.As the letter explains, the proposal to exclude noncitizens from the apportionment count violates the Fourteenth Amendment, which requires a count of all persons living in the country. As a result, H.R. 7109 effectively proposes to amend the Constitution through legislation, in violation of the amendment process set forth in Article V.The letter goes on to explain that the bill would threaten the success of future censuses by undermining the Census Bureau’s ability to collect accurate population counts, because including a citizenship question on the census would dissuade non-citizens from being counted.Read the Brennan Center statement: https://bit.ly/3VYmmFM Founding Fathers Were "Illegals" According to Yahoo News , Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) schooled Rep. Gary Palmer after the Alabama Republican claimed that the Founding Fathers “never anticipated” having a mass number of people “illegally” come to America.The comments were made during a House Oversight Committee markup session where lawmakers addressed the Equal Representation Act, which — if passed — would require a citizenship question on the 2030 U.S. census and every census 10 years after that.“There was no immigration law when the Constitution was adopted at all. In fact, the only illegals in the country, at least according to the native population, were the people writing the Constitution,” said Raskin, a Constitution attorney.48 of the 56 signers of the Constitution were born in America when it was a British colony. Of the remaining 8, Two were born in England; two in Ireland; two in Scotland; one in Northern Ireland; and one in Wales.Read the Yahoo News report: https://yhoo.it/3Q2iQX1 News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/04/17 Racially Profiled for Being A Scientist: A Discussion of the US DOJ's China Initiative2024/04/18 Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice2024/04/19 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2024/04/19 Appeals Court Hearing on Florida SB 2642024/04/19 Community Rally Against Florida's Anti-Chinese Alien Land Law2024/04/30 Understanding Implicit Bias and How to Combat It2024/05/02 AAGEN 2024 Executive Leadership Workshop2024/05/04 Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details.Visit the 2024 Congressional Calendar by Roll Call : https://bit.ly/4aw4iqU 2. Understanding Implicit Bias and How to Combat It WHAT: Understanding Implicit Bias and How to Combat It WHEN: April 30, 2024, 3:00 - 4:15 pm ET WHERE: Virtual event HOST: American Academy of Arts & Sciences INTRODUCTION: David W. Oxtoby, President, American Academy of Arts & Sciences SPEAKERS: · Frank Dobbin, Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences; Chair of the Sociology Department, Harvard University · Jennifer L. Eberhardt, William R. Kimball Professor; Professor of Psychology; Cofounder and Codirector, Stanford SPARQ, Stanford University · Camara Phyllis Jones, Leverhulme Visiting Professor in Global Health and Social Medicine, King’s College London · Goodwin Liu, Associate Justice, California Supreme Court DESCRIPTION: Implicit bias is the residue of stereotyped associations and social patterns that are outside our conscious awareness but reinforce inequality in the world. The implications of implicit bias are present in every field, from law enforcement, to courts, education, medicine, and employment. Scientific inquiry has advanced our understanding of implicit bias in recent decades. It has also illuminated the limitations of certain cognitive measures and commonplace interventions, including some forms of diversity or implicit bias training used by corporations, universities, and other organizations. How can we improve our knowledge base on effective strategies to counteract bias and its negative impacts on our nation? What changes to organizational policies, procedures, and decision-making structures have shown promise? And how can technologies be leveraged? REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4aVrrmi Back View PDF April 15, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #135 8/1 Monthly Meeting; SCBA Webinar on Dialogue with NIH; 7/11 Meeting Summary; CHIPS+ #135 8/1 Monthly Meeting; SCBA Webinar on Dialogue with NIH; 7/11 Meeting Summary; CHIPS+ Back View PDF July 28, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #409 Special Edition: Remembering Norm Mineta's Legacy on September 11, 2026 #409 Special Edition: Remembering Norm Mineta's Legacy on September 11, 2026 In This Special Issue #409 Remembering Norm Mineta's Legacy on September 11, 2026 [We thank Daphne Kwok, a Committee of 100 member, a Founder of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), and Executive Director of APAICS at the time of the 2001 terrorist attacks, for contributing to this special issue.] September 11 marks a date seared into our nation's collective memory. As we reflect on it, APA Justice wants to highlight and help preserve the leadership role that then-U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman "Norm" Mineta played on that day and in the years that preceded and followed — drawing on a firsthand account from Daphne Kwok , who attended a recent forum honoring his legacy and shared her reflections with APA Justice in a report titled "NEVER FORGET." A Forum in Washington On September 9, 2026, the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University (SJSU) hosted a forum at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, to reflect on Norm Mineta's leadership during September 11, 2001 — twenty-five years later. Daphne attended. At the convening, attendees heard about Norm's decisive order grounding all planes over U.S. airspace — one of the most consequential decisions made that day — and about his call to Canada's Minister of Transport requesting assistance landing inbound overseas flights that could no longer reach the United States. Attendees also recalled a remark from then-President George W. Bush during that period: "We don't want to have happen today what happened to Norm in 1942" — a direct reference to the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, including Norm and his family. That history shaped how Norm approached the difficult days that followed. In the aftermath of 9/11, xenophobia and hate crimes quickly proliferated in communities across the country, with Muslim and Arab American communities bearing the brunt as scapegoats for an attack they had nothing to do with. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first person killed in a retaliatory hate crime after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The 52-year-old Sikh American was killed outside a gas station he owned in Mesa, Arizona. He wore a turban and kept a beard as part of his Sikh faith. The gunman, Frank Silva Roque , drove around looking for people he believed were Middle Eastern or Muslim to target in revenge for 9/11. He mistakenly targeted Sodhi, who was planting flowers outside his business. Norman Mineta and His Legacy - An American Story Norman Yoshio Mineta 峯田 良雄 was born in San Jose, California, on November 12, 1931. He passed away at age 90 in Edgewater, Maryland, on May 3, 2022. Norm was a mentor to both Daphne and Jeremy Wu — who served under him at the Department of Transportation as Departmental Civil Rights Director and later Acting Chief Statistician — and to an entire generation of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) activists, leaders, and concerned citizens. But his story is really an American story. His life and legacy are the subject of " Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story ," a 56-minute documentary produced by Bridge Media, Inc. and distributed as a free educational resource through the Mineta Legacy Project . Among the many firsts of Norm's accomplishments are : · First Asian American mayor of a major American city — elected the 59th mayor of San Jose in 1971. · First Asian American to hold a presidential cabinet post — nominated by President Bill Clinton as U.S. Secretary of Commerce in 2000. · First Asian American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Transportation — appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001. · Only the fourth person in U.S. history — and by extension the first Asian American — to serve as a cabinet member under two presidents from different political parties (Clinton, a Democrat, and Bush, a Republican). Norm co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) in 1994 and served as its first chair. CAPAC advocates on issues affecting the AANHPI community at the federal level. Before CAPAC existed, AAPI concerns had no institutional home or dedicated advocacy structure on Capitol Hill. Today CAPAC has grown to 85 members, chaired by Rep. Grace Meng with Executive Director Judith Teruya . Chair Meng — the first Asian American elected to Congress from the East Coast — has credited Norm directly as a mentor, recalling that he founded CAPAC after watching Black and Hispanic members of Congress secure White House access that AAPI members lacked at the time. Norm also co-founded APAICS in 1994 (originally as the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute, later rebranded), alongside Delegate Robert Underwood — the same year he founded CAPAC. While CAPAC represents sitting members of Congress, APAICS was designed to build the pipeline of future AAPI leaders — training programs, fellowships, and leadership development specifically for the next generation of AAPI elected officials and congressional staff. This was a deliberate long-term investment. Takeaways From "Norman Mineta and His Legacy" There are many takeaways moments from the documentary Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story , including: 1. "We Will Not Do to Muslim Americans What We Did to Norm" Shortly after becoming Transportation Secretary, Norm spent a weekend with newly inaugurated President George W. Bush at Camp David. Over dinner, Bush asked him directly: "Tell me about camp life. Tell me about the evacuation." What struck observers, the documentary notes, was that Norm's answer carried no bitterness — "here's the greatest democracy in the world interning fellow citizens because of their background," yet Norm's response was instructive rather than angry. That conversation is part of what shaped President Bush's now-famous instinct, in the days after 9/11, to warn his cabinet against repeating history: "We will not do to Muslim Americans what we had done to Norm's family." 2. A Boy Scout Friendship That Passed the Civil Liberties Act At Heart Mountain, an 11-year-old Norm joined a Boy Scout troop inside the concentration camp. Scout leaders wrote to nearby towns asking for troops willing to visit — most refused, until a troop from Cody, Wyoming, finally came. Paired off to pitch a tent together, Norm met a fellow "pesky" kid named Alan Simpson . The two wrote to each other for decades: Norm was elected to the House in 1974, Simpson to the Senate in 1978, and their friendship carried on as if, in Norm's words, "we were still sitting in that pup tent." That friendship became essential decades later. When Norm pushed for redress for Japanese American incarceration — a bill that had died in committee year after year — it was Simpson, a conservative Republican in a chamber Democrats did not control, who helped carry it through the Senate alongside Senators Spark Matsunaga and Daniel Inouye . Norm chose September 17, 1987 — the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution — for the House vote on H.R. 442. Nearly a year later, on August 10, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act into law: an official government apology, and $20,000 in reparations, to the 120,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. One observer in the documentary calls it "his crowning achievement" — legislation Norm pursued not as "a Japanese American issue," but as a test of whether the Constitution truly protects everyone, "regardless of race or culture." 3. A Racial Slur on Election Night Norm's 1971 mayoral victory made international news. But the morning after, he found the words "NO JAPS WANTED" — the World War II-era anti-Japanese slur — spray-painted across his garage door in Japantown. "You don't make a big thing out of it," he later reflected, "but you store it away," before turning his focus to running the city. It is a small, sobering detail that complicates the triumphant history of his landmark win. 4. The Apartment That Wasn't "Available" Years earlier, while engaged to be married, Norm answered a newspaper ad for an apartment. When he arrived, the landlord's wife told him she thought her husband had already rented it out — then called out to her husband to confirm, and he claimed it was gone. Norm walked to the corner gas station, called the same number, and asked if the apartment was still available. "Yeah, it's still available," the same man told him — this time not realizing who was asking. Norm never forgot the blatant discrimination, and in time, he would work to end it and many injustices like it. 5. "I Still Get Treated Like a Foreigner" Despite five decades of public service and a career of historic firsts, Norm admitted the "perpetual foreigner" stereotype never fully disappeared. "I still get treated like a foreigner," he said, describing the subtle scrutiny of stepping into an elevator and feeling people "give you the once over." It is why he always wore an American flag pin — not to prove his patriotism, he explained, but his citizenship: "I want to make sure everyone knows I am American.” 6. Solidarity Beyond the AAPI Community The documentary highlights two lesser-known chapters of Norm's advocacy. He was one of the earliest members of Congress to publicly endorse same-sex marriage, reasoning that "if a gay man could be one of the leaders in getting justice for us, we could do the same for him and his people." And as a primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Norm's motivation traced back to his time as San Jose's mayor, when he spent time in a wheelchair to understand the barriers people with disabilities faced — which is why, the documentary notes, curb cutouts exist on street corners today. In Closing Norm Mineta spent a lifetime being asked to prove he belonged in the country he never stopped believing in. Twenty-five years after 9/11, and four years after his passing, his answer to that question is still the clearest gift he left us: build the institutions, tell the truth about what happened, and never let one community's fear become another community's punishment. Watch the full documentary . NEVER FORGET. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/09/14 AAAS Town Hall with Sudip Parikh 202/6/09/24 C100 – Men of Iron and the Transcontinental Railroad 2026/09/28 Committee of 100 Awards Gala 2026/10/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit 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 APA Justice website at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF September 14, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #231 Prevent Relaunch; Memories and Hopes; Combat Disinformation; Year of The Dragon; More #231 Prevent Relaunch; Memories and Hopes; Combat Disinformation; Year of The Dragon; More In This Issue #231 · CAPAC Members Lead Effort to Prevent the Relaunch of China Initiative · January Brings Memories and Hope · Combat Disinformation Targeting Asian Americans · Lunar New Year Celebrations Underway · News and Activities for the Communities CAPAC Members Lead Effort to Prevent the Relaunch of China Initiative According to NBC News and a press statement by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), more than a dozen Democratic lawmakers led by CAPAC Members Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI) wrote a letter to House and Senate leaders leading an effort to stop Republican Members of Congress from reinstating the China Initiative, a Trump-era program created in 2018 that purported to combat espionage but in effect targeted and profiled those of Chinese descent.The Department of Justice ended the program in 2022, after several of the alleged espionage and national security cases ended in acquittal, dismissal or were dropped altogether. But Republicans in Congress are now attempting to restart the program using a provision in a key House spending bill—at the same time that they are reviving racially motivated rhetoric against Chinese Americans. Republicans are attempting to relaunch the China Initiative in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 5893) which funds the Departments of Commerce, Justice and other science-related programs.Others who signed the letter include: Senators Tammy Duckworth (IL), Raphael Warnock (GA) and Peter Welch (VT) and Reps. Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Katie Porter (CA-47), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Brad Sherman (CA-32) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3S9zPXJ . Read the CAPAC press statement: https://bit.ly/3UcOLHh January 19, 2024, marked the one-year anniversary when all charges against Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 , a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer accused of spying on behalf of China, were formally dropped. His arrest in September 2020 was one of the sensationalized cases under the now-defunct China Initiative. U.S. prosecutors said they uncovered "new information" that warranted the dismissal but did not provide further explanation. For the past year, NYPD did not reinstate Officer Angwang, but has instead started proceedings to terminate his employment. Read Officer Angwang's case at https://bit.ly/3RIqXId January Brings Memories and Hope According to a Ding Ding TV report by Helen Zia 谢汉兰, she has been tracking hate incidents for 41 years. Among the prominent January incidents are: · January 6, 2020: 89-year-old Yik Oi Huang died after injuries from a severe beating as she walked in a neighborhood park near her San Francisco Visitacion Valley home; · January 11, 2023: a public bus rider in Bloomington, Indiana vowed to rid the country of Chinese while repeatedly stabbing a 17-year-old student; · January 15, 2022: 40-year-old Michelle Alyssa Go was fatally pushed in front of an oncoming subway train in New York’s Times Square; · January 17, 1989: a white nationalist with a semiautomatic rifle killed five children at a Stockton California elementary school yard and injured about 30 others; · January 21, 2023: an elderly Asian man with a semi-automatic pistol killed 11 people and injured 9 as they celebrated the Lunar New Year at a ballroom in Monterey Park, California; · January 23, 2023: in Half Moon Bay, California, a 66-year-old male farmworker killed five fellow Chinese and two Latino coworkers; · January 28, 2021: Vicha Ratanapakdee , an 84-year-old Thai American grandfather, died after being violently shoved as he went for a walk near his San Francisco home. Turning tragic events into action and change has been a continuing legacy in Asian American communities. Asian American activism in the wake of violence has been critical because many other families and communities have also encountered systemic refusal to acknowledge anti-Asian racism. Memorials this month in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay also stand as recognitions of cross-sector, pan-Asian and multi-racial efforts to advance the community healing process through solidarity. On January 28, Monthanus Ratanapakdee has planned a remembrance of her father, Vicha, to be joined by Justin Go , Michelle’s father. The national “Remember Vicha” organizing efforts have succeeded in getting streets named “Vicha Ratanapakdee Way” in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The park where Yik Oi Huang was fatally attacked has also been renamed in her honor through the efforts of her granddaughter Sasanna Yee , who has worked with Asian and Black communities to keep the attack from inflaming racial tension.While January brings remembrances of lives lost to violence, the efforts of Asian Americans and others also show how healing can come when people act together in solidarity to build a beloved community of equity and justice, where violence and hate towards any people has no place.Helen Zia is a writer and the founder of the Vincent Chin Institute, Vincentchin.org , which aims to build solidarity against hate and anti-Asian bigotry through education, narrative and advocacy. Read her Ding Ding TV report: https://bit.ly/48IFpaN On January 21, 2024, the Guardian reported that survivors of the Monterey Park mass shooting are still searching for healing from therapy to qigong. The January 21, 2023, attack was the worst mass shooting in Los Angeles County history, hitting the heart of Monterey Park’s large Asian immigrant community. For many Asians, therapy is taboo – but some elders in the community are embracing it. For the past 50 years, Shally Ung hadn’t spent much time thinking about the carnage she had seen growing up in her native Cambodia. But those scenes of bombs raining down on Phnom Penh came roaring back on Lunar New Year last year, when a gunman opened fire at Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park and killed 11 people. Ung’s dance partner for nearly two decades, Andy Kao , was shot in the chest and died beside her under a table. Some survivors and longtime Monterey Park residents said they remain deeply proud of their hometown and its reputation as an early haven for immigrants from China and Taiwan. A city with a population of 60,000 that is two-thirds Asian, Monterey Park is known widely as the country’s first suburban Chinatown, and as the place that elected Judy Chu as the first Chinese American woman to US Congress.Read the Guardian report: https://bit.ly/47SuGsN .On January 21, 2024, NBC News reported that on the first anniversary of the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay mass shootings, President Joe Biden issued a statement remembering the survivors and victims and highlighting efforts to curtail gun violence. Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3ubE9h5 Combat Disinformation Targeting Asian Americans According to International Journalists' Network , disinformation runs rampant in immigrant communities in the U.S. It is only increasing, too, due in large part to language barriers, social media and bad actors’ weaponization of entrenched fears. Many outlets, meanwhile, lack fact-checking resources for non-English speakers. Today, Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group in the U.S. electorate. Almost six in 10 are immigrants, while just over half of recent arrivals say they are proficient in English.Mis- and disinformation within Asian American communities spreads widely on the radio, YouTube and popular apps such as WeChat and WhatsApp. WeChat, which is used by about 60% of the Chinese American community, is particularly vulnerable to misinformation, due to a hyper-partisan, conservative ecosystem that rewards sensationalist content. Nick Nguyen , the co-founder and research lead of Viet Fact Check, and Kyle Van Fleet , a strategic communications associate for APIA Vote and head of APIA Vote’s disinformation monitoring program, provided their insights about disinformation’s impact on Asian American communities and how to combat it in effective, culturally conscious ways, including APIAVote's guide on "Dis- and Misinformation Monitoring." According to its website, APIAVote publishes a bi-weekly disinformation report to provide its network, ethnic media contacts, and other national partners for research and analysis to conduct actions and promote good information.Read the International Journalists' Network report: https://bit.ly/3S8sjwl . Read the APIAVote web page: https://bit.ly/493dS3s .On January 18, 2024, NBC News reported that disinformation poses an unprecedented threat to democracy in the United States in 2024, according to researchers, technologists and political scientists. As the presidential election approaches, experts warn that a convergence of events at home and abroad, on traditional and social media — and amid an environment of rising authoritarianism, deep distrust, and political and social unrest — makes the dangers from propaganda, falsehoods and conspiracy theories more dire than ever. An increasing number of voters have proven susceptible to disinformation from former President Donald Trump and his allies; artificial intelligence technology is ubiquitous; social media companies have slashed efforts to rein in misinformation on their platforms; and attacks on the work and reputation of academics tracking disinformation have chilled research.Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3u8v8FO Lunar New Year Celebrations Underway According to the Washington Post on January 22, 2024, Lunar New Year does not actually arrive until February 10, but for Vietnamese Americans in Virginia, there was no time like the present to start celebrating Tet, their most important holiday. More than 20,000 people were expected to attend this weekend’s festival to listen to Vietnamese folk and new music, purchase traditional clothing and New Year’s gifts and eat everything from shrimp and crab soup, pho and banh mi to bubble tea, spring rolls and a Lunar New Year specialty: sticky rice with pork and mung beans wrapped in banana leaves. At the opening ceremony, a dozen men and women stood side by side wearing traditional tunics called ao dai — the men in midnight blue, the women in bright fuchsia. They walked to the stage accompanied by solemn drumming and the slow beat of a gong. There, they paid respects and gave thanks to their ancestors, an integral moment of Lunar New Year festivities.Celebrations of Lunar New Year in the United States take on extra meaning for Asian American communities and their families because it is a way of maintaining traditions and passing them to the next generation, said Xinqian Allison Qiu , a doctoral candidate in American Studies at the University of Maryland. Her research includes a focus on Lunar New Year celebrations.Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/48LJISv Find out about Lunar New Year activities in Albuquerque , Atlanta , Austin , Boise , Boston , Brooklyn , Cape Cod , Chattanooga , Chicago , Columbus , Dallas , Denver , Detroit , Disney California , Elk Grove , Fremont , Honolulu , Houston , Irvine , Kansas City , Las Vegas , Los Angeles , McLean , Miami , Milpitas , Montclair , Monterey Park , New York City , New Orleans , Newark , Oklahoma City , Philadelphia , Pittsburgh , Portland , San Antonio , San Francisco , San Jose , San Diego , Seattle , Spokane , Triangle , Twin Cities , Washington DC , and more. Of course there is always home. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/02/01 CAMDC Deadline for Essay Contest2024/02/04 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/02/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/02/10 New Year's Day of the Year of the Dragon2024/03/03 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/04/07 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/04/19 Committee of 100 Annual Conference & GalaVisit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. Chinese American Museum Essay Contest To promote intergenerational communication, Chinese American Museum DC (CAMDC), with the support of the Calvin J. Li Memorial Foundation, will host a new essay contest entitled “Dreams of My Parent(s).” Through this essay contest, CAMDC hopes to foster positive family dialogues and cultivate understanding and appreciation of our shared cultural heritage and immigrant experience. Titled "Dreams of My Parent(s)," current high school students of Chinese descent living in the US are encouraged to showcase the strength, resilience, and determination of their parents, and celebrate their life’s triumphs through the essays. Submission deadline is February 1, 2024. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3vKHXXk Back View PDF January 25, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter