2020 was an unprecedented year that saw our nation increasingly divided and filled with anti-Asian hate. However, it ended with a positive story on humanity in which the heroes and victims in an anti-Chinese hate crime are not even of Chinese origin. December 27, 2020 The year 2020 was one of unprecedented challenges that saw our nation increasingly divided, unable to control the COVID-19 pandemic that was filled with anti-Asian hate and continuing profiling of hundreds if not thousands of Chinese American scientists under investigations and prosecutions. However, it ended with a positive story on humanity in which the heroes and victims in an anti-Chinese hate crime are not even of Chinese origin. On December 27, 2020, a virtual event was held with Professor Steven Pei as the host to conclude a successful GoFundMe campaign , which was reported by the World Journal under the headline 员工勇救亚裔 华人5天募10万 . During the event, Zach Owen and Bawi Cung took the stage to express their appreciation for the generous donations of more than $121,000 from over 2,700 individuals. President Qiang Gan and Treasurer Lin Li of ACP Foundation Dallas reported the state of the finances and various details of the fundraiser. Other organizers for the fundraiser include OCA Greater Houston (H.C. Chang and Cecil Fong); Reagan Hignojos , friend of the Cung Family; United Chinese Americans (Steven Pei); and APAPA Austin Texas Chapter (C.J. Zhao). Bawi Cung and his two boys, aged 2 & 6, were hate crime victims in Midland, TX on March 14, 2020. The suspect thought the Burmese family was Chinese and spreading the coronavirus and attacked them with a knife. As a bystander, Zach Owen disarmed the suspect bare handedly. Unfortunately, Zach’s right palm also suffered permanent injury and has retained only 40% of his grip strength. With the hope to find a better job in the west Texas oil field, Zach came to Midland from Oklahoma. The injury disqualifies him from many oil field jobs. He has also been treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The first $50,000 of donation will still be given to Zach on or before his birthday in mid-January 2021 to pay for his ongoing out-of-pocket medical bills, cover some of the financial deficit incurred due to the reduced working hours during his recovery period, and also help with Zach’s return to a normal life. We need more heroes like Zach Owen. Earlier on June 22, 2020, a coalition of Asian American organizations honored Zach Owen and Bernie Ramirez , a Border Patrol agent who also intervened in the violent anti-Asian stabbing with a special Lily and Vincent Chin Advocacy Award Ceremony . It was followed by the From Vincent Chin to George Floyd Webinar led by Helen Zia, award-winning journalist and community activist, and moderated by Gordon Quan, attorney and former Houston City Council member. On August 10, 2020, Zach Owen testified in the Tri-caucus Congressional Forum on Rise in Anti-Asian Bigotry during the COVID-19 Pandemic ,” which was organized by the Congressional Asian Pacific Americcan Caucus. 2020 was an unprecedented year that saw our nation increasingly divided and filled with anti-Asian hate. However, it ended with a positive story on humanity in which the heroes and victims in an anti-Chinese hate crime are not even of Chinese origin. Previous Next 2020 Ends With A Positive Story

Newsletter - #352 Register for 10/16 Webinar; AAJC, APIAVote, and OCA Updates; CALDA New Lawsuit v SB17+ #352 Register for 10/16 Webinar; AAJC, APIAVote, and OCA Updates; CALDA New Lawsuit v SB17+ In This Issue #352 · Register to Attend Inaugural Webinar on October 16, 2025 · Update from Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC · Update from APIAVote · Update from OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates · CALDA Appeals and Files New Lawsuit Against Texas Alien Land Law · News and Activities for the Communities Register to Attend Inaugural Webinar on October 16, 2025 Cindy Tsai 蔡欣玲 , Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Committee of 100 (C100), and Rosie Levine 卢晓玫 , Executive Director of the U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET), announced the launch of a joint webinar series, titled " Global Tensions, Local Dimensions - Navigating the U.S.-China Relationship, " at the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 8, 2025.The inaugural webinar will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET on Zoom , featuring Ambassadors Julia Chang Bloch 張之香 and Gary Locke 骆家辉 , in conversation with Jessica Chen Weiss 白潔曦, David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS.Register to attend the webinar titled " Bridging Nations: People-to-people Exchange in U.S.-China Relations ," by scanning the QR code above or clicking this link: https://bit.ly/20251016Webinar About the Series and Webinar From the ping-pong diplomacy that preceded formal diplomatic ties in the 1970’s to the robust educational exchanges that flourished in the reform era in the 1990’s, people-to-people connections have provided continuity during periods of political tension in the U.S.-China relationship. Yet in today's environment of strategic competition, people-to-people engagements, such as academic partnerships, student exchanges, business networks, and diaspora community ties, are increasingly restricted in the name of national security. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, whose families and networks often span both countries, increasingly find themselves in the crosshairs.This webinar will focus on the past, present, and future of people-to-people ties between the United States and China, as well as the implications for AAPI communities and U.S. policy. At a time of strained U.S.-China ties, and a concurrent rise in incidents of profiling and violence directed toward the AAPI community in the United States, this discussion will explore how U.S. foreign policy intersects with domestic policy and rights. About the Co-Hosts · C100 is a nonpartisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, science, and the arts. Founded in 1990 by I.M. Pei 貝聿銘 and other distinguished leaders, C100 works to advance the full participation of Chinese Americans in U.S. society and to foster constructive dialogue between the United States and Greater China. As Cindy noted, global interactions have direct consequences for AAPI communities at home. · USCET , founded in 1998 by Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mutual understanding between the United States and China through education and exchange. USCET strengthens American Studies in China, supports professional development for educators, and creates dialogue among students, scholars, and policymakers. Rosie noted that USCET’s first-ever public statement was issued to express concern over proposed restrictions on international student visas. · APA Justice , advocate of over 10 years for fairness, equity, and justice for Asian Americans and beyond, is also a co-host of this series. Update from Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC During the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 8, 2025, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC, reported on the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill, highlighting harmful House language directing the Department of Justice to reinstate the China Initiative. AAJC is responding comprehensively. · Civil Society Letter : An updated letter with more than 80 organizational sign-ons has been sent to Congress. · Bicameral Letter : Representative Judy Chu and Senator Mazie Hirono led a bicameral letter urging opposition to reinstatement, also with the same broad organizational endorsements. In addition, AAJC and coalition partners AASF, Stop AAPI Hate, and CAA are launching a call campaign. Supporters are encouraged to mobilize their bases to phone back and mail all Democratic senators. The goal is to prevent the harmful China Initiative language from appearing in the Senate bill, ensuring it remains only in the House version. Continued calls and emails will be critical throughout this month until the Senate vote. AAJC is closely coordinating with allies on the Hill and provide updates on timing. On September 11, 2025, AsAmNews reported that a proposal to revive the defunct China Initiative—a Trump-era program aimed at curbing Chinese economic espionage but widely criticized for unfairly targeting Chinese scientists—is advancing through Congress. On September 11, the House Appropriations Committee voted 34–28 to include the measure in a larger appropriations bill.Asian American leaders warn reinstating the Initiative would repeat past harms. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) condemned it for fueling racial profiling and dual-loyalty tropes. Civil rights groups point to high-profile failed prosecutions of Chinese scientists such as Gang Chen 陈刚 (MIT), Anming Hu 胡安明 (University of Tennessee), and Franklin Tao 陶丰 (University of Kansas), noting the chilling effect beyond the scientific community. “People don’t know, just by looking at you, whether you’re from China or not,” said Cindy Tsai , general counsel and Executive VP of the Committee of 100. “This really goes back to the safety issue and the sense of belonging for those who have been part of this country.”More than 80 Asian American organizations including APA Justice issued a joint letter opposing the bill. Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, warned it would undermine U.S. competitiveness by driving away scientific talent. Joanna Derman of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) urged the public to educate themselves and press Congress to strip the measure: “We’ve seen how that can result in unfair and harmful discrimination against Asian American and Asian immigrant scientists, researchers, and academics. So by putting [it] in the appropriation bill, pretty much anybody who votes for the appropriation bill can deny that they supported the China Initiative, because it’s part of a larger bill.” Update from APIAVote APIAVote is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing civic engagement in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. In today’s hyper-partisan climate, some ask whether a C3 message can still resonate. Bob Sakaniwa , Director of Policy and Advocacy at APIAVote, answered yes during the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 8, 2025. Now more than ever, trusted messengers are essential. Communities look to organizations like APIAVote not to tilt the political scales, but to highlight how policies directly shape AAPI lives. Bob emphasized that while 501(c)(4) activity and more overtly partisan efforts have their place, C3 organizations occupy a unique and vital role. They can elevate the dialogue, build trust across divides, and push conversations toward inclusion and solutions.Reflecting on 2024, the picture for AAPI civic participation was mixed. In 2020, turnout reached historic highs. But in 2024, participation slipped—driven by uncertainty, disillusionment with both parties, and the draining effects of misinformation. Still, there were bright spots: AAPI voters led the nation in new registrations, with more first-time registrants than any other group. With 15 million eligible AAPI voters, there remains enormous untapped potential. And after nearly a year of political upheaval, more people are connecting the dots between policies and daily life—recognizing why civic engagement matters. APIAVote sees opportunities for a rebound this year and an even bigger surge heading into the 2026 midterms.At the same time, threats to voting rights are real and growing. Chief among them is the push—through legislation and executive orders—for documentary proof of citizenship to vote. This bureaucratic barrier amounts to voter suppression, fueled by the false narrative of widespread non-citizen voting. The facts say otherwise. Yet the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would impose such requirements, has already passed the House. Fortunately, the Senate has shown little interest so far.Meanwhile, the Trump administration issued an executive order with the same aim. It is currently tied up in the courts, and APIAVote—along with OCA and represented by AAJC—is a plaintiff challenging it. Another front is the push to roll back birthright citizenship. Both efforts strike at the heart of who belongs in our democracy and carry profound implications for AAPI families.Looking ahead, APIAVote is closely monitoring state-level contests. In New Jersey and Virginia, upcoming races may serve as early indicators of public sentiment toward the administration. And in California, voters will decide this November on a major redistricting proposition, a response to Texas’ mid-decade redistricting carried out under presidential direction. While redistricting is often framed in partisan terms, APIAVote sees it fundamentally as an issue of representation: voters should choose their leaders, not the other way around.Bob closed with a reminder that September 16 is National Voter Registration Day. APIAVote and its partners will be working nationwide to send a clear message: the first step in making your voice heard is registering to vote. With millions of AAPI voices still untapped, this is our moment to ensure our communities are not only present at the polls, but powerful in shaping America’s future. Update from OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Founded in 1973, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a 501(c)(3) national member-driven nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. with 35+ chapters and affiliates across the U.S. At the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 8, 2025, Thu Nguyen , Executive Director, recapped OCA’s 2025 convention in Seattle, spotlighting the State of the U.S. Constitution plenary, which featured Karen Narasaki (longtime civil rights advocate and former U.S. Commission on Civil Rights commissioner), Karthik Ramakrishnan (academic and founder of AAPI Data), and William Xu , a former OCA intern who later served as a public defender and now works as a judge advocate. Together, they explored impact litigation, public narrative change, and pathways for community involvement. The convention also engaged audiences through workshops like Helen Zia ’s session on AAPI crisis communications, addressing censorship, the politicization of terms such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the challenge of intergenerational dialogue around politically charged language—like “tariffs,” which have real consequences for families and businesses. A screening of John Osaki ’s film Making Waves , on preserving ethnic studies and critical race theory, was another highlight. Thu encouraged chapters to bring the film to local communities. Thu reported that OCA is co-plaintiff in three ongoing lawsuits: one on birthright citizenship, one challenging cuts to the Department of Education, and one with APIAVote on voting rights. All cases are pending before the courts. Thu also described OCA’s Leadership Summit program, historically held in D.C. for select members to receive advocacy and public speaking training and participate in Hill visits. This year, OCA expanded the model into two-day regional leadership summits—open to all ages—combining training with visits to state capitols or local congressional offices. Recent summits were held in Boston and Las Vegas, with upcoming events in Phoenix (November), New York City, and Houston in 2026. OCA covers program costs, while local chapters help with logistics and outreach. Finally, OCA is partnering with National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) members to educate communities on healthcare budget cuts, particularly the impact on Medicare and Medicaid. Many community members are unaware of their coverage links (e.g., CHIP and Medicaid), so OCA is working to clarify these changes and provide next steps for affected families. CALDA Appeals and Files New Lawsuit Against Texas Alien Land Law 1. Wang v. Paxton (4:25-cv-03103) According to a post by the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (华美维权同盟), CALDA led a lawsuit against the Texas government seeking to overturn Texas SB 17, an anti-Chinese land law. A federal judge dismissed the case on procedural grounds in August. The judge held that the two plaintiffs represented by CALDA had resided in Texas for many years and thus could not be considered “domiciled in China.” Since SB 17 does not restrict them, their rights were not harmed, and therefore they lacked standing to sue.CALDA believes the judge’s ruling was wrong. The decision’s interpretation of “domicile” for individuals on non-immigrant visas conflicts with existing law and creates further ambiguity. Because violating SB 17 carries felony consequences, such vagueness may lead to overly strict enforcement, causing broader harm to Chinese communities.Some Texas banks and mortgage companies have already adopted internal policies refusing home loans to any Chinese nationals without green cards—going beyond the law itself. For many Chinese residents, the law’s terms are hard to interpret, and in the current political climate, such gray areas invite abuse, fear, and discrimination. Even those on non-immigrant visas who stay in Texas only temporarily still fall under SB 17 and face housing discrimination.At its core, SB 17 is not about national security but about treating all Chinese people as potential threats. By relying on procedural grounds, the judge avoided the real constitutional question: does SB 17 violate equal protection by stripping a group of the right to buy or rent property based solely on nationality or country of origin? This is the heart of the case and the reason CALDA filed the lawsuit.Following the August ruling, CALDA immediately filed an appeal. Both sides are now submitting briefs, and the appeals court has scheduled a hearing for November 4, with a ruling expected thereafter. 2. Huang v. Paxton (1:25-cv-01509) On September 16, 2025, CALDA filed a second lawsuit in federal court in Austin. This new case includes three plaintiffs: two Chinese citizens holding B1/B2 visas who are only in the U.S. for short-term visits but purchased investment properties in Texas, and one Chinese student who has been in the U.S. for just a year, currently renting in Texas while attending college. Because none of these plaintiffs have long-term continuous U.S. residence, the judge will find it harder to dismiss the case for lack of standing.CALDA will soon request a court hearing to seek a preliminary injunction to block SB 17. CALDA vows not to stop until this discriminatory law is struck down. Against the backdrop of U.S.–China tensions, Chinese Americans face unprecedented uncertainty. Texas SB 17, Florida SB 264, and Ohio HB 1 and SB 88 reflect a nationwide anti-Chinese trend. Meanwhile, the long-dormant “China Initiative” has resurfaced, stirring deep anxiety among Chinese researchers and students.Once discrimination is institutionalized, it tends to spread. These laws are like dominoes: if the first is not stopped, the chain reaction will inevitably expand. Challenging SB 17 is not only about one state law—it represents defending the basic rights of Chinese communities and resisting systemic exclusion in America. For this reason, CALDA views litigation as a crucial tool of advocacy, turning fear about the future into collective action and legal precedent for change.This is a difficult and protracted struggle. We must unite more strength and resources to confront powerful opponents. CALDA calls for continued support to secure a future free from discrimination, where fairness and justice are true guarantees for all Chinese Americans. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/09/18 CAPAC Press Conference2025/09/23 Committee of 100: Is Deglobalization Inevitable?2025/10/03 Covering China—Journalism, Scholarship, and the Global Conversation2025/10/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/10/16 Bridging Nations: The Power of People-to-People Exchange in U.S.-China Relations2025/10/23 C100 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative: Asian American Women in the LawVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. May 2025 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Summary Posted Summary of the APA Justice May 2025 meeting is now posted at https://bit.ly/4pxi6ti . We thank the following distinguished speakers for sharing their comments and insights: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) · Gee-Kung Chang 張繼昆 , Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology · Robert Fisher , Partner, Nixon Peabody · William Tong 湯偉麟 , Attorney General, State of Connecticut · Robert L. Santos , Former Director, U.S. Census Bureau; Former President, American Statistical Association · Haifan Lin 林海帆 , President, Federation of Asian Professor Associations (FAPA); Eugene Higgins Professor of Cell Biology, Yale University 3. CAPAC Press Conference WHAT : CAPAC Press Conference on Economic Toll of Trump’s Tariffs on Asian American Communities WHEN : September 18, 2025, 10:30 am ET WHERE : Studio A – HVC117 and live stream: https://www.facebook.com/events/1874102480195831/ HOST : Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) SPEAKERS : · Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) · Second Vice Chair Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) · Chair Emerita Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) · Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36) · Rep. Dave Min (CA-47) · Rep. Ed Case (HI-01) DESCRIPTION : On August 29, a federal appeals court ruled that most of Trump’s tariffs are illegal but allowed the tariffs to remain in place while the case moves through the appeals process. The Supreme Court agreed to consider the appeal on an expedited timeline. Meanwhile, tariffs continue to create uncertainty for small businesses and consumers—including for Asian-owned businesses that import agricultural goods, cultural products, and traditional medicines that cannot be produced domestically.Asian American entrepreneurs own 11 percent of small businesses in the U.S. and nearly 20 percent of restaurants. Chinatown businesses in particular have reported lower demand and increased costs for goods, with some hiking prices by an average of 50 percent. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9 percent, the highest since January, in part due to Trump’s tariffs. RSVP : Please RSVP in advance to james.kwon@mail.house.gov 3. ACF: Covering China—Journalism, Scholarship, and the Global Conversation WHAT : Covering China—Journalism, Scholarship, and the Global Conversation WHEN : October 3, 2025, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon ET WHERE : Kenney Link Auditorium, Johns Hopkins SAIS, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20001 HOST : Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF) PROGRAM: · 9:30am: Opening Remarks · 9:45am: Session 1—Covering China from Within: Problems and Processes · 11:00am:: Session 2—China, America, and the World: New Frontiers · 12:00pm: Networking Lunch DESCRIPTION : The Johns Hopkins SAIS Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF) and the Overseas Press Club of America will jointly host an in-person event examining the state of journalistic and academic coverage of China.The first session will consider the hurdles that journalists and academics face when operating within China at present, and their evolving approaches to reporting and research. A second panel will assess the challenges that global correspondents and researchers face as they cover China's global activities and influence, especially when the issues that intersect China's global role—including artificial intelligence, trade and investment, and new energy—are themselves complex and rapidly evolving.What are the perspectives of top journalists and researchers on the current state of reporting on China? What do we know and not know – and what assumptions and narratives may need revision? What are our collective blind spots? What strategies can help strengthen the quality of research and reporting, and more accurately frame the scope and scale of the China challenge for U.S. audiences? REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/3KtwClu # # # 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 September 18, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Community Responses The AAPI community's responses to AAPI issues. Our watchlist contains all of the most pertinent issues and legislations to the Asian American community. Check it out Our Watchlist See Congress's statements and actions regarding AAPI issues. Explore Congressional Actions Campaign to Oppose The Nomination of Casey Arrowood Read More 11. MIT Technology Review Investigative Reports Read More 9. Stanford Faculty Starts Nationwide Campaign to End China Initiative Read More 6. Letter to President-Elect Biden to End China Initiative Read More ASBMB Protests Racially Motivated Cancellation of Research Grant Read More Top Scientific Organizations Call for Fairer Treatment of Foreign-born Scientists Read More

Newsletter - #5 Tentative Agenda For August 3 Meeting #5 Tentative Agenda For August 3 Meeting Back View PDF July 24, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

60 top scientific organizations are calling for balance between an open scientific environment and economic and national security. September 4, 2019 On September 4, 2019, 60 top science, engineering and international education organizations - representing hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers and educators around the world - sent an open letter to five top federal officials in charge of science programs, calling for fairer treatment of foreign-born scientists in the face of policies that could put a chill on the participation of foreign nationals in the scientific enterprise. The letter was addressed to Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier , Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House; Dr. France Córdova, Director of the National Science Foundation; Dr. Francis Collins , Director of the National Institute of Health; Dr. Chris Fall, Director of the Office of Science at the Department of Energy; and Dr. Michael Griffin , Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. "Finding the appropriate balance between our nation’s security and an open, collaborative scientific environment requires focus and due diligence," the letter said. "Any response should consider the impact on both the overall scientific enterprise and on individual scientists and its development should include the input of the science and engineering community." Otherwise, "many scientists—both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals—who properly follow codes of conduct, regulations, policies and laws, may inappropriately be harmed in response to the misconduct and illegal actions of others." The co-signers of the letter ask the federal officials to "consider a wide range of stakeholder perspectives as your agencies work together through the new NSTC ( National Science and Technology Council ) Joint Committee on Research Environments to develop policies and procedures that address issues related to international researchers’ participation in the U.S. scientific enterprise, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with you." multisociety-letter-on-foreign-influence_9-4-2019 .pdf Download PDF • 73KB 60 top scientific organizations are calling for balance between an open scientific environment and economic and national security. Previous Next Top Scientific Organizations Call for Fairer Treatment of Foreign-born Scientists

Newsletter - #134 PennLaw Acts on Amy Wax; US-China Hostility Hurts People; UCA Convention; 5/2 Meeting #134 PennLaw Acts on Amy Wax; US-China Hostility Hurts People; UCA Convention; 5/2 Meeting Back View PDF July 21, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #251 5/6 Monthly Meeting; Rally Against FL SB846; FISA in 2 Years; AANHPI Heritage Month; + #251 5/6 Monthly Meeting; Rally Against FL SB846; FISA in 2 Years; AANHPI Heritage Month; + In This Issue #251 • 2024/05/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting • Organizer Report on Florida Rally Against SB 846 • Expanded FISA Authorized for Two Years • May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month • News and Activities for the Communities 2024/05/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, May 6, 2024, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Joanna YangQing Derman, Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; and Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Two speakers will describe an upcoming forum with the Asian American and academic communities and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in Houston, which will be co-hosted by TMAC and the Science and Technology Policy Program, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Office of Innovation at Rice University. • Nabila Mansoor, President, Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC); Executive Director, Rise AAPI • Kenneth M. Evans, Scholar in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University In addition, • Rebecca Keiser, Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy, National Science Foundation (NSF), returns to update us on the JASON report on Safeguarding the Research Enterprise, MacroPolo's Global AI Talent Tracker 2.0, and related activities and development at NSF. 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 . Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition The Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC) is a coalition of multicultural groups in Houston that is dedicated to promoting justice and progress for marginalized communities. Comprising a diverse range of organizations, the coalition works to raise awareness about issues affecting communities of color, advocate for policy changes, and promote collective action to achieve greater equity and social justice. By bringing together different communities and organizations, TMAC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Baker Institute for Public Policy, Office of Innovation, at Rice University The Science and Technology Policy Program, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Office of Innovation at Rice University provides a space for policymakers and scientists to engage in substantive dialogue on critical scientific issues facing the U.S. and the world. Through this program, scholars address a broad range of policy issues that affect scientists and their research, as well as the application of science for the public good. Organizer Report on Florida Rally Against SB 846 During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 8, 2024, Professors Jiangeng Xue 薛剑耿, Zhong-Ren Peng 彭仲仁, and Chenglong Li 李成龙 reported on their organization and observations of the rally against a state law known as SB 846 in Gainesville on March 26, 2024. Professor Xue, Peng, and Li are President, Board Member, and President-elect of the Florida Chinese Faculty Association (FCFA) respectively. FCFA was created about 10 years ago with the original goals of developing collaborations among the faculty members and mentoring the younger members. National and local media including NBC News, AsAmNews, WUFT, and Alligator had wide coverage of the rally. Professor Xue began by outlining the history and current challenges faced by FCFA, emphasizing their shift towards addressing campus influences. During the China Initiative, FCFA met with the provost, the vice president for research, and the president and talked about issues of concern such as compliance and outside activity reports that led to some regulations that may be less intrusive. The SB 846 bill came out of the 2023 legislative session to target academic exchange and collaborations. Despite assurance about SB 846 that students would not be affected, the Board of Governors – the governing body for all state universities in Florida – put out more restrictions including those on hiring graduate students and scholars in October 2023. This has become the focal point of the FCFA fight, prompting FCFA's response, including a rally and media engagement with help from national and local organizations such as the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF). Over 200 participants, including faculty, students, and national organization representatives, joined the rally, raising awareness and advocating for academic freedom and non-discriminatory hiring practices. FCFA expressed gratitude for the support received, including the Graduate Assistants United, AASF, Advancing Justice | AAJC, APA Justice, UCA, ACLU Florida, and the Brennan Center. FCFA outlined three key requests: restoring faculty hiring rights, upholding academic freedom, and depoliticizing education. Positive outcomes included media attention and strengthened connections between local and national groups. Though direct feedback from the Board of Directors was limited, FCFA remains optimistic about potential amendments. Professor Peng highlighted the establishment of a supportive relationship with the faculty union and participation in a public comment session at the Board of Governors meeting. Professor Li emphasized the importance of national support, a well-structured platform, and individual responsibilities in achieving a successful rally. A summary for the April APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at. https://bit.ly/3vVMsif . We thank these speakers for their reports and updates: • Nisha Ramachandran, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, nisha.ramachandran@mail.house.gov • Joanna YangQing Derman, Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC • Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), gpkusakawa@aasforum.org • Professors Jiangeng Xue, Zhong-Ren Peng, and Chenglong Li, Florida Chinese Faculty Association (FCFA) • Robert Underwood, Commissioner, President's Advisory Commission on AA and NHPI; Former Chair, CAPAC; Former President, University of Guam • Yvonne Lee, Commissioner, USDA Equity Commission David Inoue, Executive Director, Japanese American Citizens League, was not able to join the meeting. Expanded FISA Authorized for Two Years Authority of The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was expanded and extended for two years under the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act. This is the text for P.L. 118-49: https://bit.ly/3WbyNOH According to Forbes on April 24, 2024, more than 10 years have passed since Edward Snowden revealed the worst surveillance scandal of the FBI and the NSA in U.S. history. His revelations sparked a vivid discussion—one that can be looked at with more precision now that the heated debate that started one decade ago has settled for the next two years: How can we balance the security and privacy requirements of our modern societies? Snowden brought some of the most intrusive surveillance programs of U.S. authorities to light, the most prominent ones being PRISM, XKeyscore and Boundless Informant. Once the public started to understand how much of their private data they willingly share online is being siphoned off, analyzed and scanned, the question arose whether this form of surveillance is required to keep citizens safe or violate citizens' privacy rights without measurable benefit. Regarding the Snowden leaks, there is only one solution to balancing security and privacy requirements: Privacy rights are indisputable. Governments and authorities must (and can) find ways to combat terrorists and other threats to national security with targeted surveillance measures—not by monitoring the entire population of a country. If we submit to general mass surveillance out of false fears of terrorists, we give up not just our privacy but also our freedom. 100% security is never possible—whether we allow mass surveillance or not. But the best possible security can only be achieved with maximum privacy because the encryption that makes our online life private also protects us from terrorists, such as malicious attackers on the web, as well as state-sponsored surveillance by autocratic countries. Read the Forbes report: https://bit.ly/49ZUWT7 May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated in June 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton (New York) and Norman Y. Mineta (California) called for the establishment of Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. Hawaii senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both bills passed, and in 1978 President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush expanded the celebration from a week to a month. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated to commemorate the arrival in May 1843 of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States and the role of Chinese laborers in the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. We celebrate the contributions that generations of AANHPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. This year's theme set by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is "Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future." The Census Bureau produces these facts about the AANHPI populations in 2024: https://bit.ly/3ITFME7 . Here is a sampling of activities across the country: • Chicago • East Bay Regional Park • Houston • Library of Congress • New York City arts and culture • Orlando • Philadelphia • Seattle • U.S. Government News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/04/30 Understanding Implicit Bias and How to Combat It 2024/05/02 AAGEN 2024 Executive Leadership Workshop 2024/05/04 Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice Book Tour 2024/05/05 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2024/05/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2024/05/13-14 2024 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit 2024/05/14 Serica Initiative: 7th Annual Women's Gala dinner Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. Heritage, Culture, and Community: The Future of America's Chinatowns WHAT: Heritage, Culture, and Community: The Future of America's Chinatowns WHEN: May 22, 2024, 5:00 pm ET WHERE: Hybrid event; 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 HOST: US-China Education Trust Moderator: Jen Lin-Liu, author Panelists: • Grace Young, cookbook author, culinary historian, and activist • Di Gao, senior director of research and development, National Trust for Historic Preservation • Penny Lee, documentary producer, director, and film editor DESCRIPTION: The panel will examine the importance and preservation of America’s Chinatowns today and delve into DC Chinatown and Chinese food’s unique and evolving role in the nation’s capital. REGISTRATION: To be announced Back View PDF April 29, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #339 7/7 Meeting; Supreme Court; NIH Grant Ruling; Vincent Chin; Perkins Coie Webinar; More #339 7/7 Meeting; Supreme Court; NIH Grant Ruling; Vincent Chin; Perkins Coie Webinar; More In This Issue #339 · 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Orders on Birthright Citizenship · Judge Rebukes Trump Administration NIH Grant Terminations · Anti-Asian Hate: Why We Must Remember Vincent Chin · Perkins Coie Webinar: Strategies for Nonprofits · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We are honored by and welcome the following distinguished speakers: · Lynn Pasquerella , President, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) · Toby Smith , Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy, Association of American Universities (AAU) · Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Founder and President, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) · Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President, Committee of 100 · Tony Chan 陳繁昌 , Former President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (2018–2024) and Former President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2009–2018) The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Orders on Birthright Citizenship According to AP News , NPR , Washington Post and multiple media reports, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 on June 27, 2025, in favor of narrowing the use of nationwide injunctions, limiting lower courts’ ability to block federal policies for the entire country while litigation is pending. While the ruling does not address the constitutionality of President Donald Trump ’s executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and foreign visitors, it does pause the order’s implementation for 30 days and returns pending lawsuits to lower courts to reassess the scope of relief.Justice Amy Coney Barrett , writing for the majority, argued that courts must limit relief to actual plaintiffs, not impose universal blocks. Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly opposed the decision, warning it would harm families and shield unlawful executive actions from scrutiny. The ruling allows nationwide class-action suits as an alternative and has already prompted new legal filings from civil rights groups seeking broad protections. While celebrated by Trump and Republican lawmakers as a check on judicial overreach, critics say the decision weakens protections against potentially unconstitutional policies and creates legal uncertainty for families and states.Within hours after the Supreme Court ruling, two class-action suits had been filed in Maryland and New Hampshire seeking to block Trump’s order, including an amended class action complaint and emergency motion for class-wide injunctive relief under Casa Inc. v. Trump (8:25-cv-00201) One of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, William Powell , senior counsel at the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, says his colleagues at CASA, Inc. and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project think that, with the class action approach "we will be able to get complete relief for everyone who would be covered by the executive order." The strategic shift required three court filings: one to add class allegations to the initial complaint; a second to move for class certification; and a third asking a district court in Maryland to issue "a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction asking for relief for that putative class," Powell said. According to a Washington Post opinion on June 28, the Supreme Court’s decision in CASA v. Trump will shift judicial power to check the executive from the roughly 700 district judges across the country to the nine justices of the Supreme Court in Washington. For example, district judges can guarantee birthright citizenship for the children of immigrants who file for relief in their district court (or potentially groups of immigrants who bring a class action). But a universal bar on enforcement of this and other presidential decrees will have to wait for the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is now the only court in the country that can block a presidential policy nationwide. However, if the president tries to implement an unconstitutional order and the district courts lack the tools to stop him, the Supreme Court can still swoop in on its time-sensitive emergency docket. Judge Rebukes Trump Administration NIH Grant Terminations As of June 26, 2025, the number of legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s executive actions has risen to 303, according to the Just Security Litigation Tracker (with 12 cases closed). One of the most significant recent developments centers on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' termination of hundreds of NIH research grants: American Public Health Association v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10787) In February 2025, HHS halted both ongoing and pending biomedical and behavioral research grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), following Trump’s Executive Orders 14151 and 14173, which barred federal funding from supporting “gender ideology” or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. NIH subsequently issued directives labeling entire categories of research—such as DEI, transgender health, vaccine hesitancy, and COVID-19—as no longer aligned with agency priorities. At least 678 research projects have reportedly been terminated.On April 2, a coalition of prominent health organizations and affected scientists filed suit under the Administrative Procedure Act, challenging the legality of these terminations and seeking an injunction. The plaintiffs include four researchers, the American Public Health Association (APHA), the United Auto Workers (UAW), and Ibis Reproductive Health—all alleging loss of funding or research suppression. According to Politico on June 16, U.S. District Judge William Young of Massachusetts issued a forceful ruling against the administration. Calling the NIH’s actions “illegal” and “palpably clear” discrimination, Judge Young ordered the immediate reinstatement of the terminated grants. He condemned the terminations as unconstitutional, stating they demonstrated racial and anti-LGBTQ bias and violated procedural norms. The administration’s defense—that the actions aligned with congressional priorities—was found to lack any evidentiary basis.This ruling marks a significant legal and symbolic blow to the administration’s sweeping efforts to dismantle federal support for DEI and LGBTQ+ initiatives under the banner of ideological reform. Appeals are expected. Anti-Asian Hate: Why We Must Remember Vincent Chin According to Detroit Free Press , Detroit PBS , Inquirer , Michigan Chronicle , Outlier Media , and other media reports, 43 years after the brutal killing of Vincent Chin 陳果仁 , a new sign was unveiled in Detroit: Vincent Chin Street. Under the hot June sun, a string quartet played Mozart, and the crowd — elders, youth, activists, public officials — gathered not only to honor the man, but to mark the legacy his death ignited.Chin, a 27-year-old Chinese American draftsman, was celebrating his bachelor party on June 19, 1982, when he was assaulted by two white autoworkers who blamed “people like him” for their economic hardships. It was a time when an Asian nation - Japan - was on the rise and blamed for threatening the American auto industry. Days later, on June 23, Chin died of head injuries from a baseball bat attack in a McDonald’s parking lot. The assailants, Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz , were sentenced to probation and a fine. No jail time.The injustice was not just in the courtroom. It echoed in how little American society at the time recognized Asian Americans as part of the civil rights conversation. Even progressive institutions — local chapters of the ACLU and the National Lawyers Guild — argued Asian Americans did not qualify for civil rights protections. “Those were the things people would say to us,” said Helen Zia, Founder of the Vincent Chin Institute. The battle to establish Chin’s citizenship status in order to pursue justice became symbolic of broader struggles for recognition.And yet, that moment in 1982 became a turning point. Chin’s death spurred the creation of the American Citizens for Justice (ACJ) and catalyzed the modern Asian American civil rights movement. It showed that hate — even when misdirected — had deadly consequences. And it taught a generation that justice does not arrive unless you demand it. The street naming this year, attended by many who led those early fights, is a testament to that generation’s perseverance. Attorney Roland Hwang , who helped cofound ACJ, reminded the crowd: “What happened to him… was seared in our minds. His last words were, ‘It’s not fair.’” Those words, he said, should still guide us today. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reflected on the leniency of the original sentence. “We have to step up and stop [hate],” he said, linking the legacy of Chin’s killing to anti-Arab bias after 9/11 and to the rising violence and polarization seen today. “Most of all, we’ve got to remember. And that’s what you’ve done today.”But remembrance is not enough.According to new data from Stop AAPI Hate, more than 50% of Asian Americans today — especially those aged 18 to 29 — report experiencing racial animus. Many of these young people were not born when Chin died. Many have never heard his name. As Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang put it, “There are going to be people who see this sign and ask, ‘Who was Vincent Chin?’ And hopefully, that will spur learning and understanding.”That learning matters, especially in today’s political climate. The same scapegoating that helped justify Chin’s death in 1982 is reemerging in new forms. Now, it is not Japan but China that is framed as the threat — and proposals like Michigan’s recent House bill restricting land ownership by nationals of certain countries (including China) raise alarm about repeating history. “It’s discriminatory,” said civil rights groups and community advocates. State Senator Chang and others are working to embed ethnic studies into Michigan’s education system so that no one graduates asking “Vincent who?” — not just to preserve memory, but to prevent erasure. To see justice not as a one-time verdict, but a cultural habit that must be nurtured.Even the site of the unveiling — once the heart of Detroit’s Chinatown — tells a story. The Chinese Merchants Association building, where the ACJ first organized in 1982, was demolished in 2023 despite protests. Still, the effort to rebuild continues, with a $1 million appropriation and a vision of a revitalized Chinatown, not only as a cultural anchor but as a space of solidarity and healing.What is clear after 43 years is that Vincent Chin’s story is not just a tragedy. It is a mirror. Of where we were, where we still are, and where we need to go. Every June, as Juneteenth reminds the nation of delayed justice for Black Americans, Chin’s memory reminds Asian Americans that the struggle is shared — and ongoing.Vincent Chin's story calls us to vigilance, solidarity, and the courage to confront injustice in all forms. The next generation is watching. Justice is not a moment — it is a movement, and the work continues. Perkins Coie Webinar: Strategies for Nonprofits The law firm Perkins Coie launched The Compliance Collective webinar series in August 2024, hosting a monthly 60‑minute session—every third Thursday at 1 p.m. ET—covering emerging compliance issues with expert panels.The webinar on June 26, 2025, was titled " Essential Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders Navigating Government Inquiries ," specifically designed to empower nonprofit leaders with the latest insights and practical strategies for effectively responding to government investigations and inquiries. As nonprofits face increasing scrutiny from both executive agencies and legislative bodies, it is essential to be prepared for subpoenas, inquiries, and other actions.The webinar covered: · Unique risks facing non-profit organizations · Interacting with the government o Preparing for informal outreach and inquiries from law enforcement and regulators o Navigating government raids o Effective subpoena response · Best practices for developing policies & procedures to address these risks Sign up and receive Perkins Coie webinar invites and updates at https://bit.ly/44mtKgT On March 11, 2025, Perkins Coie sued the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other government agencies over President Trump’s March 6, 2025 executive order (EO) terminating government contracts, denying members of the firm access to federal employees, and suspending employees’ security clearances. On May 2, U.S. District Judge Beryl Alaine Howell of the District of Columbia held that the EO violates the law and is invalid and permanently enjoined the DOJ from implementing, enforcing, or using statements from the EO in any way. Judge Howell granted Perkins Coie’s motion for summary judgment and declaratory relief and denied the DOJ’s motion to dismiss. News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/06/28-30 2025 ICSA China Conference2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/07/09 8th Annual Congressional Reception2025/07/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/25-27 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2025/07/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/08/02-07 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings2025/08/04 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF June 30, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

The DOJ's online report of the China Initiative has been suspiciously changed ahead of a review by the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. June 14, 2021 Launched by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in November 2018, the "China Initiative" purportedly combats economic espionage and trade secret thefts. However, its scope and boundaries have not been defined after three years of operation. There has not been an official count of "China Initiative" cases. According to the DOJ online report on June 14, 2021, there were 71 prosecutions since the start of the "China Initiative." This web page lists 24 scientists from 23 of these "China Initiative" cases. Cases with ID #XX are believed to be under the "China Initiative" but have not been explicitly listed by DOJ. These cases match closely the Law360 report 'Overheated': How A Chinese-Spy Hunt At DOJ Went Too Far on September 28, 2021. On November 19, 2021, the DOJ online report was changed significantly with at least 20 cases removed and about 4 cases added. The unannounced and unexplained changes made on a Friday are disturbing because an independent review led by Matt Olsen, newly appointed Assistant Attorney General for National Security, is supposed to be starting. The removals are susceptible to creating yet another misleading impression of the "China Initiative." For example, the removals include the dismissed or acquitted cases of Anming Hu, Qing Wang, Chen Song, Xin Wang, Juan Tang, Kaikai Zhao, and Guan Lei. One direct impact of the DOJ changes is the removal of the 8 dismissed cases. The DOJ's online report of the China Initiative has been suspiciously changed ahead of a review by the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. Previous Next Watch Out for Unexplained Changes in the DOJ Online Report

Newsletter - #29 12/2 Webinar; "China Initiative" Reports And Statistics; 2020 Census #29 12/2 Webinar; "China Initiative" Reports And Statistics; 2020 Census Back View PDF November 19, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #272 National APA Museum; Red-Baiting; Capstone Workshop Videos; State of Science; More #272 National APA Museum; Red-Baiting; Capstone Workshop Videos; State of Science; More In This Issue #272 · Anne S. Chao: From Missing in History to a National APA Museum on the Mall · AALDEF: The Red-Baiting of Dr. Chen and Dangerous Targeting on All Asian Americans · National Academies Roundtable Capstone Workshop Videos Posted · Marcia McNutt: The First State of Science Address · News and Activities for the Communities Anne S. Chao: From Missing in History to a National APA Museum on the Mall Anne S. Chao is a modern Chinese historian, and currently an Adjunct Lecturer in the Humanities at Rice University, and co-founder and manager of the Houston Asian American Archive at Rice. She is a co-founder of the FRIENDS of the National Asian Pacific American Museum, whose goal is to establish a national AAPI museum on the nation's Mall. Anne serves on the boards of the Houston Ballet, Wellesley Colleges, the National Archives Foundation, the Dunhuang Foundation among others. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on August 5, 2024, Anne gave her report on her activities with a 12-slide presentation: https://bit.ly/3WxVzPg . At Rice University, Anne established the Houston Asian American Archive (HAAA) 15 years ago, recognizing that Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., and it yet lacked records of Asian American lives. Distribution of the Asian American population in the Greater Houston area is visualized by a heat map. The county in the Southwest quadrant of this map is Fort Bend County. It has almost a parity of 25% Anglo, 25% African American, 25% Asian American, and 25% Hispanic. No other county in the country has the same parity. Rice University students began interviewing people, collecting memorabilia, conducting podcasts, making video clips, and exploring different aspects of Asian American lives. HAAA now has about 500 interviews along with various awards, performances, and exhibits.Among those interviewed as part of a multicultural and multifaceted Asian Houston were · Theresa and Peter Chang . Theresa Chang is a judge and at one time the highest placed Asian American woman in the Republican Party. · Dr. Vipul Mankad as part of a huge collection of South Asian interviews. · Donna Cole ’s father was in the 442nd regiment in World War II. She and her friends created the Go for Broke Foundation that led to Congress awarding the Gold Medal of Honor posthumously to these veterans of Japanese ancestry. · Harry Gee Jr . is a prominent immigration lawyer. The Gee family has made huge contributions to Houston and beyond. · Leroy Chiao is a Chinese American astronaut. · Lakshmy Parameswaran founded Daya, Inc., which serves South Asian victims of family violence. · World-renowned Professor of Physics Paul Chu , and · Many others of Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, and other ethnicities. Anne told the story of the Gee family network in Houston. The Gee name may also be spelled as Zhu, Jee, and Chu. Many of them originate from Taishan and Kaiping counties in Guangdong Province in Southern China. One of Anne’s students created a Gee family network chart, from which a curriculum was developed for the Asia Society. A Voice of America reporter just interviewed the Gee family members about the curriculum. A book is in the works.Harry Gee’s father came to Houston as a restaurant owner. Harry Gee’s cousin, Albert Gee , was also a charismatic restaurateur who parlayed his business success into social and political success by contributing to Richard Nixon and John Connelly campaigns respectively and also entertained celebrities such as Bob Hope . Switching to the national scene, Anne pointed out that the African American Museum is already part of the Smithsonian collection on the national mall. The Latino American Museum and the Women’s Museum are in the pipeline. We are missing the Asian Pacific American Museum. Congresswoman Grace Meng introduced H.R. 3525 in 2021 to establish a commission to study the feasibility of creating an Asian Pacific American Museum. It became public law in June 2022. There are eight commissioner positions. The Senate Majority and Minority Leaders and the House Majority and Minority Leaders each appoint two commissioners. There are two vacancies at this time, but the commission cannot start work until all eight are present. They have 18 months to produce a report to Congress on the feasibility of an Asian Pacific American Museum. The commissioners are volunteers. They do not have actual funding. Only one of the current commissioners, Dr. Jay Xu , who is the Director of the San Francisco Asian Art Museum, has actual museum knowledge and experience. Handel Lee , Debbie Shawn , and Anne co-founded a non-profit organization called the Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum to fast track the effort. All three have served on the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Advisory Board. Their goal is to champion the cause, as well as to mobilize, support, fundraise, supply a blueprint, and coordinate the efforts. It has engaged many museum experts and museum fundraisers.They are in the process of creating a group of academics as well as organizations around the country to talk about what to put in the museum. AALDEF: The Red-Baiting of Dr. Chen and the Dangerous Target It Puts on All Asian Americans On August 7, 2024, the Asian American Legal and Defense Fund (AALDEF) posted a blog titled "The Red-Baiting of Dr. Chen and the Dangerous Target It Puts on All Asian Americans" in response to a CNN report on Jake Tapper's The Lead program on July 31, 2024.According to the blog, Catherine Herridge , a former Fox News journalist, is appealing a court ruling that holds her in contempt for refusing to reveal her source in a series of reports about Dr. Yanping Chen , a Chinese American who was investigated by the FBI for six years but was not charged for any crime. Herridge falsely accused Dr. Chen of being a spy for China, using misleading evidence and perpetuating racist stereotypes. Dr. Chen sued over the leak of her personal information and subpoenaed Herridge to reveal how she had come to possess confidential materials from the FBI. Herridge has twice refused and has been held in contempt. She maintains the dangerous falsehood against Dr. Chen, and Senator Ted Cruz filed a brief in support of Herridge that leans even more strongly into the anti-Chinese red-baiting prominent in Herridge’s reporting.As unethical and misrepresentative as her reporting was, Herridge still has First Amendment protections. There is a long history of the government invoking “national security” to compel reporters to reveal sources. And there is a danger to destabilizing the protections of the press, which is often our most powerful advocate holding the government accountable. But CNN ’s report made little mention of Dr. Chen and the role Herridge played in spreading dangerous falsehoods about her. Herridge was presented as a good reporter fighting the good fight, not just for herself, but to ward off “the end of investigative journalism.” Dr. Chen has been victimized twice: first by the government and then by the media. And by not properly reporting this story and giving an unfair platform to the person who used her privilege as a journalist to shamelessly vilify Dr. Chen and, in court, continued to vilify and dangerously misrepresent her as a Chinese spy, CNN further contributes to the harm Dr. Chen still faces. Rather than propping up Herridge like some sort of martyr, CNN should ask itself if it would have run the three stories Herridge wrote about Dr. Chen. Would Herridge’s characterization of Dr. Chen heavily reliant on racist tropes against Chinese people meet the ethical and reporting standards of CNN ? CNN has held neither the government nor the reporter, Catherine Herridge, accountable here.Herridge was so sure a Chinese American scientist was a spy, because that idea fit the entrenched narrative of what a spy looks like. And for the viewers who consumed her three fallacious stories, Herridge entrenched those dangerous ideas even deeper, setting a target, not only on Dr. Chen, but on all people who look like her.Good reporting should count for something. Herridge’s reporting was not good. Worse still, it caused real harm to someone still recovering from the harm the government had already inflicted on her.The blog argues that investigative journalism should challenge harmful narratives, not perpetuate them, as CNN 's coverage of Herridge did. Read the AALDEF blog: https://bit.ly/4dhasMZ Roundtable Capstone Workshop Meeting Materials and Videos Posted On July 16-17, 2024, the National Academies hosted The National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable Roundtable Capstone Workshop to present information the Roundtable has gathered since its inception in 2020 through 14 gatherings in Washington, DC and across the U.S.A series of three videos has now been posted at https://bit.ly/3z0PnY7 , along with meeting materials. A report is being prepared at this time. Contact Zariya Butler at (202)-334-2937 and zbutler@nas.edu if you have questions or comments. Marcia McNutt: The First State of Science Address On June 26, 2024, Marcia McNutt , President of National Academy of Sciences, delivered the first State of the Science address to explore how U.S. science and innovation are positioned to respond to rising global competition and shifting priorities for the nation’s economy, security, public health, and well-being. Her analysis was based mostly on data available up to 2021 in the midst of the "China Initiative." A video of her talk and a panel discussion including Dr. Grace Wang , President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, has now been posted (1:47:59), as well as the meeting materials, at https://bit.ly/4checg9 .Dr . McNutt started by observing that Germany was the world leader in science prior to World War II. In addition to the U.S. bringing in German scientists, she credited Vannevar Bush , who headed the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development during World War II, for transforming the U.S. into a world leader in science and technology by having government invest in basic science, creating the National Science Foundation, promoting science education and scholarships, and recommending partnerships between government, industry, and universities. His book titled "Endless Frontier" outlining this blueprint was published in 1950. Dr. McNutt shared the following data on the rapid rise of China in science and technology in her address: · China is on track to exceed the U.S. in Research and Development expenditures. · The U.S. is dropping in research output as measured by articles published while China is experiencing triple-digit percentage increase. · In terms of research quality measured by percent of articles in the top 1%, the U.S. is losing ground while China has moved ahead of the European Union. · In terms of products, China was at about 3% as recently as 2013 in percentage of drugs in Phase I-III trials. It has risen to 28% in 2021 while the US is in decline. · China's number of patents per year passed the U.S. around 2015 and is leading the U.S. by a ratio of 2 to 1 in 2021. · China was a non-player in 2000 in the list of Global Fortune 500 companies. It leads the list with 142 out of 500 in 2023. What has changed from Vannevar Bush's blueprint since 1950? Dr. McNutt opined that · The U.S. has become exceptionally dependent on international students. · The U.S. could not meet its STEM workforce requirements if it were not for the international students. · Other nations are raising their standard of living by investing in science, education, pro-industry policies, and strategic planning. · Advancing the frontiers of basic research now requires international partnerships to benefit all researchers. · Industry took the lead around 1981 and now dominates U.S. research investment with a 75% share, compared to the federal government's 20%. · Since 1953, philanthropy at universities and nonprofit research institutes has grown to be a major support for basic research. How can we use the new realities to improve our current model? Dr. McNutt offered the following opportunities for the future as Endless Frontier 2.0: · Build the domestic scientific workforce of the future. · Attract the best and brightest by reducing red tape for international students and regulatory burden on faculty. · Create a national strategy to coordinate resources for greater impact. · Modernize and strengthen university-industry partnership. · Provide access to major science facilities. · Cultivate public trust in science. Watch the video and read the meeting materials: https://bit.ly/4checg9 . 2024/08/07 Scientific American : American Science Slips into Dangerous Decline, Experts Warn, while Chinese Research Surges . The U.S. sorely needs a coordinated national research strategy, says Marcia McNutt, president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/08/19 DNC Convention, AAPI Briefing & Reception, Chicago, IL2024/09/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/09/09 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/09/19-20 AANHPI Unity Summit2024/10/06 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/10/07 APA Justice Monthly MeetingThe Community Calendar has moved. Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Congresswoman Judy Chu & Senator Chris Coons Reintroduce NO BAN Act On August 7, 2024, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Sen. Chris Coons (DE) led a bicameral partnership of their Democratic colleagues to introduce H.R. 9244 , the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act—legislation that will prevent future Muslim bans. The NO BAN Act will strengthen the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, and restore checks and balances by limiting overly broad executive authority to issue future travel bans. The bill would: · Provide that the Immigration and Nationality Act nondiscrimination provisions apply to religion, as well as to the issuance of non-immigrant visas and benefits; · Require that any travel restriction imposed under Immigration and Nationality Act be based on specific and credible facts, and in a way narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest; and · Establish procedural requirements including notice to Congress within 48 hours and periodic reporting. Back View PDF August 12, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #15 September 14 Will Be A Very Informative Meeting #15 September 14 Will Be A Very Informative Meeting Back View PDF September 11, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter