Newsletter - #260 FBI Asks Scientists for Trust; FBI Forum Video/Summary; Texas Alien Land Bill Hearing #260 FBI Asks Scientists for Trust; FBI Forum Video/Summary; Texas Alien Land Bill Hearing In This Issue #260 · Nature : FBI Asks Scientists for Trust in Taking Anti-Asian Bias Seriously · The FBI Forum Video Now Online · A Summary of The FBI Forum by NAA United · Texas Senate Committee Hearing on Alien Land Bills · News and Activities for the Communities Nature : FBI Asks Scientists for Trust in Taking Anti-Asian Bias Seriously According to Nature on June 7, 2024, US investigators seek to repair damage from China Initiative with researchers of Asian descent at a public forum held at Rice University in Houston, Texas.In the rare meeting between the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the academic community, members of the FBI sought to reassure researchers of Asian descent that their concerns over discrimination are being heard.“We want you to feel comfortable. That’s why we’re here,” said Douglas Williams , special agent in charge of the FBI’s Houston field office, which, among other things, investigates hate crimes based on ethnicity. “More importantly, we want you to trust us, so that when something does happen in this community, which I believe it does, that you feel comfortable calling us and that we can investigate it.”The two-hour session, sponsored by APA Justice, Rice University's Baker Institute and Office of Innovation, and the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, was organized in response to growing concerns among students and professors of Asian descent in the United States. One reason for the concerns is the China Initiative, a program launched in 2018 by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) under Donald Trump ’s administration. The initiative resulted in the arrest of a number of scientists of Chinese descent and swept into criminal court. Most were eventually acquitted or had their cases dropped. The DOJ discontinued the initiative in 2022, acknowledging that cases against the researchers triggered a perception of racial bias. However, scrutiny of Chinese-born scholars by the US government appears to have persisted. In April, the Chinese embassy in the United States reported that since July 2021, at least 70 foreign students with valid documentation had been turned away at US airports and forced to return to China. At the forum, David Donatti , a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, highlighted that these students, including fifth-year PhD candidates who were close to defending their dissertations, were interrogated and deported without explanation. Many of them now face five-year bans on re-entering the country. Gisella Perez Kusakawa , executive director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, said that ending the China Initiative was a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and decriminalizing Asian scholars, but only a single step. “There is still significant progress that needs to be made to ensure that the US is a welcoming environment that can attract and retain the best and brightest talents,” she said.FBI representatives said that while their charge includes protecting the United States from foreign threats, including technological espionage, it also includes protecting the civil rights of all individuals in the country. That includes protecting Chinese citizens working in the United States, said Kelly Choi , supervisory special agent at the FBI’s Houston Field Office.Although the FBI investigates crime, it is not in charge of screening people coming into the United States. That responsibility falls under the purview of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an arm of the Department of Homeland Security (the FBI is part of the DOJ). Steven Pei , APA Justice Co-Organizer and an electrical engineer at the University of Houston, in Texas, who moderated the forum, told Nature that although the CBP had been invited to the panel, it had declined. The CBP did not respond to Nature’s request for comment before this story published. When contacted by Nature , Qin Yan , president of the Asian Faculty Association at Yale University, who helped to organize the forum, called for direct dialogue with CBP representatives to address border issues. He also expressed worries about other efforts to tamp down foreign influence, such as a Florida law that limits universities’ ability to recruit students and faculty members from China and other countries of concern. “We are still a long way from repairing the damage caused by the China Initiative. The chilling effects will last a very long time,” he added. Read the Nature report: https://go.nature.com/3XgcAzs The FBI Forum Video Now Online left to right: Jill Murphy, Steven Pei, Neal Lane A video of the June 6 forum on "A Dialogue Between Academic and Asian American Communities and The FBI" is now available for public viewing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csqLJo869ZY (1:55:23)Time mark and speakers: 3:27 Sergio Lira , Vice President, Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC) and President, Houston Council, League of United Latin American Citizen (LULAC)4:28 Paul Cherukuri , Chief Innovation Officer, Vice President for Innovation, Rice University 10:52 Jill Murphy , Deputy Assistant Director for Counterintelligence, FBI Headquarters 14:08 Steven Pei , Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition and APA Justice Task Force17:44 Panel Discussion · Kelly Choi , Supervisory Special Agent, FBI Houston Field Office · David Donatti , Senior staff attorney, Legal department, American Civil Liberties Union of Texas · Alamdar S. Hamdani , U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Texas · Gisela P. Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum · Jill Murphy , Deputy Assistant Director for Counterintelligence, FBI Headquarters · Georgette "GiGi" Pickering , Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI Houston Field Office · Gordon Quan , Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Quan Law Group, PLLC. Former Houston City Mayor Pro-Tem · Douglas A. Williams, Jr , Special Agent in Charge, FBI Houston Field Office 1:48:10 Neal F. Lane , Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy. Former OSTP Director, The White House 1:54:57 Forum adjourned Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csqLJo869ZY (1:55:23) A Summary of The FBI Forum by NAA United National Asian American (NAA) United, a non-profit organization that serves to educate Asian Pacific Americans on public affairs, posted a blog covering the forum to bridge the gap between the FBI and Asian American academics concerning research security policies. The blog is reproduced in its entirety with the permission of NAA United: Houston Event Fosters Dialogue on Research Security and Civil Liberties A collaborative effort by the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, and the APA Justice Task Force convened a forum on June 6, 2024. Held at Rice University's O'Connor Building, the event (also accessible virtually) brought together academics, Asian-American leaders, and the FBI to discuss a critical topic: balancing research security with civil liberties. The event aimed to bridge the gap between the FBI and Asian-American academics regarding research security policies. · Concerns were raised about the impact of past initiatives, particularly the China Initiative, on Asian-American researchers. · The FBI emphasized its commitment to safeguarding national security while protecting civil liberties. · Recommendations included creating more transparent, data-driven, and inclusive policies. · Continuous dialogue and collaboration were highlighted as essential for all stakeholders. Examples of Overreach: · The China Initiative was cited for unfairly targeting Asian-American scholars. · Attendees shared experiences of foreign researchers facing difficulties at U.S. ports of entry. · Historical examples, like the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, served as a reminder of the importance of avoiding discriminatory policies. · Recent legislation, such as Texas' Senate Bill 147 (restricting property purchases by certain nationalities), was discussed as an example of overreach. · Concerns regarding invasive electronic device searches at the border by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were also addressed. Building Trust: Recommendations and Solutions · Transparency and Clarity: Policies should be clear and easy to understand to ensure compliance and build trust. · Improved Communication and Training: Regular dialogues and open communication channels are essential. · Involving Experts: Scientific and community expertise should be incorporated into policy making. · Protecting Civil Liberties and Academic Freedom: These fundamental rights must be safeguarded in research policies. · Enhanced Inter-Agency Coordination: Standardization of practices across federal agencies is crucial. · Mechanisms for Redress: Clear avenues for individuals to seek redress if they feel unfairly targeted. · Public Leadership and Advocacy: Leaders should publicly oppose discriminatory policies. The event served as a reminder of the U.S.'s long history of benefiting from top international scholars. It emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum through open communication and collaborative efforts.Read the NAA United blog: https://bit.ly/3x8F6s9 Texas Senate Committee Hearing on Alien Land Bills On May 29, 2024, The Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing including a session on alien land bills. John Yang , President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice |AAJC, delivered testimony about discriminatory land laws at the hearing.John Yang was quoted in an Instagram post about his testimony:"Advancing Justice | AAJC is deeply concerned by the resurgence of land laws. Though they are ostensibly designed to protect U.S. agricultural land, real property, and critical infrastructure from malign foreign influence, in reality, they not only fail to address legitimate threats in a targeted and proportional manner, but also raise serious concerns regarding the balance of national security equities with civil rights, federal pre-emption, and other issues related to building and maintaining a robust local economy."It is also important to note that some land laws include overly punitive criminal and civil penalties. This language similarly fails to address national security concerns and instead contributes to an overall environment of fear for the Asian immigrant and Asian American communities which have already endured the China Initiative and a spike in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic."It is critical that this country recognizes its problematic treatment of Asian Americans and immigrants as perpetual foreigners and national security threats based on race, ethnicity, and national origin ... civil rights organizations have stepped up to fight this type of discrimination. Florida, which enacted its own land law in May 2023, currently faces two separate lawsuits from the American Civil Liberties Union and Advancing Justice | AAJC. "The current crop of land laws is neither an appropriate nor a constructive policy remedy. Vague, overbroad land acquisition restrictions that could apply to entire nationalities implicate individuals and institutions outside of the scope of the actual bad actors and their machinations. And such laws will only result in a backlash against Asian Americans and other American immigrant communities."Watch the Texas Senate Committee hearing: https://bit.ly/4bRDbHA (13:32:49). Watch John Yang's testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDDeTCAbA64 (5:38) .Read the Instagram post at https://bit.ly/45hi3YG News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/06/20 U.S.-China Relations: Untangling Campaign Rhetoric & Understanding Policy – Teachers Workshop2024/06/20-22 Social Equity Leadership Conference2024/06/27-30 UCA: 2024 Chinese American ConventionVisit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. President’s Advisory Commission on AANHPI Public Meetings WHAT : President's Advisory Commission Public Meeting WHEN: · July 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time · July 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. ET. WHERE: · July 1, livestreaming · July 2, in-person listening session in Saint Paul, Minnesota HOST: The President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) COMMENTS: The Commission seeks responses to several questions contained within this Federal Register Notice. Written comments are welcomed throughout the development of the Commission’s recommendations and may be emailed to AANHPICommission@hhs.gov at any time. Individuals may also submit a request to provide oral public comments at the Commission’s July 2, 2024 listening session in Minnesota responding to those questions. For details and directions, please click here . REGISTRATION: Registration is required · July 1: https://bit.ly/3RjiJHm · July 2: https://bit.ly/3KAUzUX Back View PDF June 10, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Franklin Tao 陶丰 Docket ID: 2:19-cr-20052 District Court, D. Kansas Date filed: Aug 21, 2019 Date ended: January 18, 2023 10th Circuit Appeals Court Appellate Case 23-3013 Acquittal: July 11th, 2024 Table of Contents Overview 2019/08/21 Indictment and Pre-trial Motions 2022/03/21 Jury Trial to Start After Several Delays 2022/03/21 Jury Trial Lasted 17 Days 2022/09/20 Convictions Reversed 2023/01/18 Sentencing 2024/07/11 Appeal Victory 2025/01/03 Tao v. University of Kansas Community Engagement and Support Photo Album Overview On August 21, 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment of Professor Feng “Franklin” Tao (陶丰), a professor at Kansas University for failing to disclose conflict of interest with Fuzhou University in China. Professor Tao was the first academic scientist indicted under the China Initiative. Professor Tao was born in China and moved to the U.S. in 2002. He earned his doctorate’s degree from Princeton University and worked at the University of California-Berkeley and Notre Dame before August 2014, when he was hired as a tenured associate professor at the University of Kansas’ Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis. The center conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy. The jury trial was delayed several times. The government added the second superseding indictments on June 24, 2020, bringing the total to 10 counts of wire fraud and making false statements. In full support of Professor Tao, the community submitted amicus briefs, organized rallies, and raised legal defense funds. A jury trial started on March 21, 2022. Professor Tao was found guilty on three wire-fraud counts and one false-statement count but acquitted him on four other counts. On September 20, 2022, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Julie Robinson reversed the three counts of wire fraud convictions and acquitted Professor Tao. On January 18, 2023, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Julie Robinson handed down the lightest possible sentence on the last conviction of making false statement against Professor Franklin Tao with no jail time, no fine, and 2 years of probation. Professor Tao appealed. On September 21, 2023, the 10th Circuit Appeals Court held a hearing in Denver, Colorado, on Professor Tao’s appeal to overturn the lone conviction. On July 11, 2024, the Appeals Court on a 2-1 vote ruled that prosecutors offered insufficient evidence at trial to support the sole remaining count on which jurors convicted Professor Tao in 2022. Professor Tao was acquitted of the last charge, bringing an end to his five-year ordeal of criminal persecution. [jump to menu] 2019/08/21 Indictment and Pre-trial Motions On August 21, 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment of Professor Feng “Franklin” Tao (陶丰), a professor at Kansas University (KU) for failing to disclose conflict of interest with Fuzhou University in China. He was charged for four counts of program and wire fraud. Professor Tao has been an associate professor and researcher at the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) since August 2014. He was conducting research under two Department of Energy (DOE) contracts and four National Science Foundation (NSF) contracts. If convicted, Professor Tao faced up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the wire fraud count, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the three program fraud counts. On November 17, attorneys for Professor Tao filed a motion to dismiss the case. It revealed that the government’s investigation into Dr. Tao grew out of fabricated allegations by a disgruntled, unpaid visiting scholar at KU, who, after failing to extort Dr. Tao for $300,000, later admitted to the FBI that she hacked into Dr. Tao’s email account to fish for “evidence” she could provide to the FBI and then, using phony aliases, fabricated complaints to both KU and the FBI regarding Dr. Tao. The motion stated that Dr. Tao never accepted a teaching position in China and, therefore, he had no obligation to make any disclosure to KU. Dr. Tao’s Conflict of Interest form was completely accurate when he represented that he had no conflict that would interfere with his teaching responsibilities at KU, and it would have been false had he certified otherwise. Five additional arguments were provided to support the motion to dismiss. On January 6, 2020, the federal judge delayed ruling on the motion to dismiss. Government attorneys said they planned to file a superseding indictment. On January 15, 2020, Government attorneys filed the first superseding indictment of two counts of wire fraud and one count of program fraud. On June 24, 2020, Government attorneys filed the second superseding indictment of seven counts of wire fraud and three counts of false statement. On August 14, 2020, attorneys for Professor Tao filed two motions with attachments to dismiss the second superseding indictment, arguing that the government seeks to use Tao’s prosecution as a potential new model for DOJ to prosecute professors “without having to produce evidence of intellectual property theft or export control violations.” The prosecution of Dr. Tao ensnared in a U.S. government crackdown on Chinese economic espionage and trade secret theft opens the door to criminalizing workplace disagreements. The motion takes aim at the broader China Initiative announced by DOJ in 2018 to counter the threat of Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft, including on American college campuses. Since then, federal prosecutors have charged Chinese academics across the country of failing to disclose foreign sources of funding and lying about their links to China. “The Department of Justice is not the Ministry of Truth, and it lacks authority to regulate routine, private miscommunications between employees and employers regarding employee activities,” the motion says. “If the Court permits this Indictment to proceed to trial, it would open the floodgates to a vast range of federal prosecutions for garden-variety employment disputes that otherwise would have, at most, subjected the employee to administrative discipline at work,” they added. “This government overreach would not be limited to university professors.” On August 20, 2020, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus filed an amicus brief in support of Professor Tao and opposes the government’s increased efforts to target and racially profile Asian American scientists and researchers. The amicus brief addresses the government’s broad campaign to scrutinize and target Chinese American scientists and researchers and discusses how the government’s xenophobic and overzealous prosecutions does real harm to the individual lives of Chinese and Asian Americans and immigrant communities. The government has been mounting a broad campaign scrutinizing and targeting Chinese American scientists and researchers through the China Initiative. Fueled by xenophobia, the China Initiative was adopted by the Department of Justice in 2018 for the purported purpose of combating economic espionage. The China Initiative is part of the latest wave of xenophobia against Chinese and Asian Americans and follows a long history of Asian Americans and immigrants being criminalized, stereotyped as “perpetual foreigners,” scapegoated, and profiled as spies disloyal to the United States. On November 2, 2020, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Julie Robinson denied the motion to dismiss the Second Superseding indictment. On November 28, 2020, a GoFundMe campaign was started to raise legal defense funds for Professor Tao. References and Links 2020/11/28 GoFundMe: Legal Defense Fund for Franklin Tao 2020/11/02 AP: Judge refuses to dismiss charges against Kansas researcher 2020/11/02 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 99) Memorandum and Order 2020/08/21 Chemical & Engineering News: University of Kansas chemist Feng ‘Franklin’ Tao’s attorneys move to dismiss charges for fraud and false statements 2020/08/21世界日报: 亞裔民權機構：未披露與中國大學關係不算商業間諜 2020/08/21 AsAmNews: Amicus Brief from Asian American Civil Rights Groups Alleges Federal Government Racially Profiles Asian American Researchers, Scientists 2020/08/20 Advancing Justice | AAJC: United States v. Tao Amicus Brief 2020/08/14 AP: Filing: Kansas prof’s prosecution criminalizes job disputes 2020/08/14 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 83) Memorandum of Dr. Franklin Tao in Support of His Motion to Dismiss The Second Superseding Indictment Due to The Government’s False, Misleading, and Prejudicial Statements to The Grand Jury 2020/08/14 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 82) Memorandum of Dr. Franklin Tao in support of His Motion to Dismiss The Second Superseding Indictment for Failure to State an Offense and Lack of Venue 2020/07/02 Chemical & Engineering News: Revised charges filed against University of Kansas chemist Feng ‘Franklin’ Tao 2020/06/24 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 75) Second Superseding Indictment 2020/01/24 Chemical & Engineering News: New charges filed against University of Kansas chemist Feng “Franklin” Tao 2020/01/15 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 50) Superseding Indictment 2020/01/06 AP: Judge mulls fate of US researcher who denies Chinese work 2019/11/20 Washington Post: Accused of fraud, Kansas researcher denies working for a Chinese university as he fights federal charge 2019/11/18 AP: Kansas researcher denies working for Chinese university 2019/11/17 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 30) Motion to Dismiss The Indictment 2019/11/17 Wall Street Journal: U.S. Struggles to Stem Chinese Efforts to Recruit Scientists 2019/09/18 Law360: Professor’s Case Draws Hard Line On Foreign Conflicts 2019/08/22 Financial Times中文网: US indicts Chinese professor over alleged lack of disclosure 2019/08/21 Reuters: U.S. charges Kansas researcher over ties to Chinese university 2019/08/21 KMBC9 News: KU researcher charged with failing to disclose conflict of interest with Chinese university 2019/08/21 Bloomberg: U.S. Says Scientist Hid Job in China. Web Search Tells Otherwise 2019/08/21 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 1) Sealed Indictment 2019/08/21 Department of Justice: University of Kansas Researcher Indicted for Fraud for Failing to Disclose Conflict of Interest with Chinese University [jump to menu] 2022/03/21 Jury Trial to Start After Several Delays On August 21, 2021, attorneys for Professor Tao motioned for a hearing and to suppress evidence resulting from two unlawful search warrants obtained using false and misleading affidavits. According to a Washington Post on August 24, 2021, FBI agent Stephen Lampe knowingly used false information from an informant to obtain warrants to search Tao’s emails, computers, home and office. The motion says Lampe deliberately withheld information that would undercut the informant’s credibility and the reliability of the evidence. On September 9, 2021, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Julie Robinson struck down the defense’s motion and set a trial date of October 25, 2021. On October 21, 2021, the jury trial set for October 25, 2021, was canceled. On November 23, 2021, attorneys for Professor Tao filed an opposition to the Government’s motion for Rule 15 depositions and objection to continued trial date. The Court has granted the government’s motion to continue the October 25, 2021 trial date, then December 6, 2021, and subsequently to April 18, 2022. On December 20, 2021, Judge Robinson reset the trial date to March 21, 2022. On January 27, 2022, Judge Robinson excluded expert testimony in the upcoming trial of Professor Tao on the grounds it risks fanning anti-Chinese sentiment, The expert witness in question was Dr. Glenn Tiffert. While Judge Robinson agreed Dr. Tiffert's testimony might be relevant and helpful, she said any testimony about the Chinese government’s efforts to acquire foreign technology to further its industrial policy objectives “risks misleading the jury into thinking this case is actually an economic espionage or theft of trade secrets case.” “But this is not an espionage prosecution,” Judge Robinson continued, “and the Government may not color the trial with national security overtones. This testimony also poses a significant risk of stoking Sinophobia, especially given that Defendant, who is Chinese, faces trial amid increasing reports of anti-Asian discrimination and violence since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic — and evoking exactly the kind of negative emotional response that might ‘lure the [jury] into declaring guilt on a ground different from proof specific to the offense charged.’” On February 7, 2022, the Government motioned to dismiss one count of wire fraud and one count of false statement from the Second Superseding Indictment, leaving a total of eight counts. The motion was unopposed. References and Links 2022/02/07 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 219) Government’s Motion to Dismiss Counts Three and Eight of The Second Superseding Indictment (Doc. 75) 2022/01/28 KCUR/NPR: Judge deals blow to government’s case against KU professor accused of concealing Chinese ties 2022/01/27 Politico: Judge limits testimony at trial of professor accused of hiding Chinese ties 2022/01/27 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 215) Memorandum & Order 2021/11/23 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 199) Dr. Franklin Tao’s [Redacted] Opposition to The Government’s Motion for Rule 15 Depositions and Objection to Continued Trial Date. 2021/10/21 Mother Jones: Has the DOJ’s Campaign to Root Out Chinese Spies on College Campuses Gone Too Far? 2019/09/09 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc.145) Trial Order 2019/09/09 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 144) Order Striking Notice of Clarification 2021/08/24 Washington Post: Kansas professor says FBI misled court in alleging hidden ties to Chinese government 2019/08/21 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc.127) Motion for Franks Hearing and To Suppress Evidence Resulting from Two Unlawful Search Warrants Obtained Using False and Misleading Affidavits 2021/08/15 侨报网: 又一被控华裔教授叫屈！陶丰律师指FBI误导法官 2021/01/28 《美南日报》: 陶峰教授即將與司法部對簿公堂 2021/01/22 United Chinese Americans: 陶峰即将与司法部对簿公堂 [jump to menu] 2022/03/21 Jury Trial Lasted 17 Days Although the Department of Justice (DOJ) ended the China Initiative in February 2022, it did not end the prosecution of Professor Tao, the first academic indicted under the initiative. It highlighted how problematic and damaging the China Initiative was. Professor Tao was not going on trial for spying or handing sensitive information to China. He was charged with fraud and making false statements - essentially, failure to disclose affiliations with a Chinese university and a government-run talent program. The trial was held at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. Defense lawyer Peter Zeidenberg said during his opening statement that the defense team would focus on what they said was a rush to prosecution without a deeper look at the evidence. He mentioned a former graduate student of Professor Tao’s who allegedly took revenge for a perceived slight by submitting a false report under assumed identities claiming that Professor Tao was a tech spy. Professor Tao was charged with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of making false statements, not espionage. The judge limited mention of the China Initiative in the trial. There were still some media reports that produced misleading headlines and contents, including the Kansas Public Radio. On April 5, 2022, lawyers made their final arguments, and the jurors began deliberations the next day. In closing arguments recapping more than two weeks of testimony, lawyers drilled down on points they have made since the beginning of the case. Prosecutors reviewed a long list of emails, recorded phone conversations and other evidence, saying Tao sought to hide a full-time research job with Fuzhou University that should have been disclosed to the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, the granting agencies, as well as to KU. One of Tao’s defense attorneys, Peter Zeidenberg, argued that the government had fallen far short of proof beyond reasonable doubt. “In almost three years of investigation, two weeks of evidence, twenty-eight government witnesses and hundreds and hundreds of exhibits and not one word about loss.” Grants go directly to the university and not to professors, a fact Zeidenberg said FBI investigators failed to learn. “The government wants you to believe Dr. Tao lied and cheated,” he said, noting the money benefited KU.“ Then he worked sixteen hours a day on those grants. What kind of a fraud scheme is that?” Zeidenberg said the government failed to show any false statements were made to granting agencies and that in fact the grants applications were submitted before the job at Fuzhou was offered. Tao was not required to report pending grants, he said. Moreover, the Fuzhou affiliation was listed publicly on progress reports on three of Tao’s papers, he said. Zeidenberg also faulted the FBI investigation that led to Tao’s arrest. The agency took the word of a woman who accused Tao of being a tech spy after trying to extort him, he said. “They pinned their ears back and put their blinders on and focused on getting Dr. Tao,” rather than doing basic research about how the grant process works, Zeidenberg said. “The government is apparently unwilling or unable to acknowledge or admit they made a huge mistake here.” On April 7, 2022, the jury found Professor Tao guilty of four of the eight counts against him – three counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement. References and Links 2022/04/22 JDSupra: After Researcher's Conviction on Some Counts, Attorney Chides Universities, Sees 'No Harm' 2022/04/14 Science: Why a judge might overturn a guilty verdict against a U.S. scientist for hiding China ties 2022/04/13 New Yorker: An Uncertain Future for a Chinese Scientist Accused of Espionage 2022/04/11 Inside Higher Ed: A Verdict, but No Clear Victory, for the China Initiative 2022/04/08 Nature: Jury finds University of Kansas chemical engineer guilty of hiding ties to China 2022/04/07 KMBC: Federal jury convicts KU professor Feng “Franklin” Tao on four counts of wire fraud 2022/04/07 Law360: Prof. Convicted Over China Ties But Judge To Review Verdict 2022/04/07 Reuters: University of Kansas professor convicted of concealing China ties 2022/04/07 C&EN: Breaking: University of Kansas chemist Feng “Franklin” Tao found guilty over China interactions 2022/04/07 KCUR/NPR: University of Kansas professor charged under Trump-era initiative convicted of wire fraud 2022/04/07 Science: Kansas chemistry professor found guilty of hiding ties to China 2022/04/07 NPR: A jury finds a Kansas scholar guilty of fraud and hiding ties to China 2022/04/06 C&EN: Daily updates: Trial continues for University of Kansas chemist Feng “Franklin” Tao over China interactions 2022/04/05 KCUR/NPR: Case of University of Kansas professor accused of concealing China ties goes to the jury 2022/04/05 Law360: Kansas Professor Says FBI Cut Corners In China Ties Case 2022/04/04 AP: Kansas researcher to mount defense over China ties at trial 2022/04/02 KCUR/NPR: Defense will put on its case in closely watched trial of KU professor accused of wire fraud 2022/04/01 UCA|北美新视界: 陶丰教授首周庭审结束，检方证人无法拿出不利证据 2022/03/22 KCUR/NPR: Prosecutors accuse KU professor of leading 'double life' in trial over concealing China ties 2022/03/22 AP: Kansas researcher accused of secret China work goes to trial 2022/03/22 北美新视界: 陶丰教授庭审首日选出陪审团 2022/03/21 NPR: Arrested under a Trump-era China initiative, Franklin Tao heads to trial 2022/03/21 C&EN: Trial starts for University of Kansas chemist Feng “Franklin” Tao over China interactions 2022/03/21 Nature: High-profile trial begins for chemical engineer accused of hiding China ties 2022/03/21 Inquirer.net: Anti-Asian xenophobia – the next wave 2022/03/21 WMBC: Federal trial begins for KU professor accused of lying to university 2022/03/21 Kansas Reflector: KU professor accused of fraud under China Initiative goes to criminal trial 2022/03/14 New Yorker: Have Chinese Spies Infiltrated American Campuses? 2022/09/20 Convictions Reversed On September 20, 2022, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Julie Robinson ruled on the defense motion filed in April 2022 for judgment of acquittal and alternative motion for a new trial. Judge Robinson reversed the conviction of three wire fraud charges against Professor Tao. She sustained the conviction of one count of making a false statement and denied the motion for a new trial. Judge Robinson said in her ruling, “Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Government, the Court finds that the evidence was legally and factually insufficient to support Tao’s wire fraud convictions. Though Tao was deceptive in not disclosing his activities at FZU, there was no evidence that Tao obtained money or property through the alleged scheme to defraud, as required under the wire fraud statute. During the time period of the alleged scheme to defraud, Tao continued to rightfully receive his salary from KU for his services and continued to successfully perform the research required by DOE and NSF under their research grants. But there was sufficient evidence supporting the jury’s guilty verdict on the false statement count. Tao made a false statement in certifying to the truth and completeness of the September 2018 Institutional Responsibilities form he submitted to KU. Further, there is no basis for a new trial on the false statement count.” On September 22, 2022, sentencing for the false statement conviction was set for January 18, 2023. On October 19, 2022, the Government appealed to the 10th Circuit Appeals Court granting the acquittal of three counts of wire fraud. On November 28, 2022, the Government motioned for voluntary dismissal of its appeal. It was granted unopposed. References and Links 2022/11/28 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 315) Order to Dismiss the Government's Appeal 2022/10/19 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 309) Government’s Notice of Appeal 2022/09/29 The National Law Journal: The China Initiative May Have Finally Died—Killed Not by DOJ but the Courts 2022/09/22 Nature: Convictions reversed for US chemical engineer accused of hiding China ties 2022/09/20 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 307) Judgment of Acquittal 2022/09/20 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 306) Memorandum and Order 2022/04/21 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 286) Dr. Franklin Tao’s Renewed Motion for Judgment of Acquittal and Alternative Motion for a New Trial 2023/01/18 Sentencing On January 18, 2023, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Julie Robinson sentenced Professor Tao to time served and two years of probation for the lone conviction of making a false statement. She did not impose a fine. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence of two and a half years. In announcing the sentence, Judge Robinson said prosecutors had presented no evidence during the trial that Professor Tao received any money for his work in China, which is required for a wire fraud conviction. She said when the trial started, she expected to hear evidence that Professor Tao’s deceptions caused financial loss and that he shared important research with Chinese officials at the expense of U.S. taxpayers and the three institutions. Rather, the evidence showed that Professor Tao continued fulfilling his duties to the University of Kansas while in China by working 70-hour weeks and pushing his students at Kansas to do the same. And she noted he was doing fundamental research that is freely shared across the scientific community. “This is not an espionage case ... If it was, they presented absolutely no evidence that was going on,” Judge Robinson said. “Believe me, if that was what was going on, it would have been a much different sentence today.” Professor Tao’s attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, said he will appeal Tao’s remaining conviction. Professor Tao served a week in prison after his arrest in 2018 and has worn an electronic monitoring while having his travel restricted since then. His attorneys said the case destroyed his reputation, his family’s financial stability and his distinguished career. References and Links 2023/01/20 Inside Higher Ed: Probation, Not Prison, for Researcher in China Initiative Case 2023/01/19 Yahoo News: Judge rules no jail time for University of Kansas researcher accused of secret China work 2023/01/19 Nature: US chemical engineer avoids prison after conviction for hiding ties to China 2023/01/18 Science: No jail time for Kansas professor convicted for undisclosed research ties to China 2023/01/19 VOA: Former Researcher Avoids Prison in China-Related Probe From Trump Era 2023/01/18 Reuters: Kansas researcher avoids prison in blow to Trump-era China-related probe 2023/01/18 AP News: Kansas researcher given time served in China-related case 2023/01/18 C&EN: Chemist Feng “Franklin” Tao sentenced to time served 2024/07/11 Appeal Victory On July 11, 2024, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver overturned the lone conviction of Professor Tao for making a false statement related to work he was doing in China. The Appeals Court ruled in a 2-to-1 decision, “We reverse his conviction … and agree with Tao that the government offered insufficient evidence for a rational jury to find that his statement to his employer was material to any DOE or NSF decision” affecting the status of his grants. U.S. Circuit Judge Nancy Moritz wrote for the majority. Professor Tao said in a statement issued by United Chinese Americans (UCA) after the appeal victory, "Today, I come to you with a mix of heavy and joyous feelings to update you on the outcome of our four-year struggle. The Tenth Circuit Court has removed the last remaining charge against me. These four years of fighting against ten baseless charges have been an unimaginable battle. Without the just legal assistance of our lawyers, Peter Zeidenberg and Mike Dearington, I could not have achieved today's victory. "I want to express my gratitude to our Chinese and Asian communities (including UCA, AAJC, Committee 100, APA Justice, Asian American Scholar Forum, CALDA, AFI, OCAA...) and the many Chinese friends who supported me. I am especially thankful for UCA's continued support and encouragement over these years. Special thanks go to UCA President Haipei Shue and his team for their tremendous support. Without President Shue's personal encouragement and support, we could not have fought to this day!" 各位华人朋友们， 今天我怀着极其沉重而高兴的心情来向你们更新这四年以来奋力抗争的结果。今天第十巡回法庭将最后一个强加在我身上的最后一个罪状去掉了。这四年来，对这十个毫无根据的罪状的抗争是一场令人难以想象的斗争。没有我们的律师Peter Zeidenberg and Mike Dearington 正义的法律援助， 我不可能得到今天的胜利。我要感谢，我们华人和亚裔团体（包括UCA, AAJC, Committee 100, APA Justice, Asian American Scholar Forum, CALDA, AFI, OCAA….）和众多华人朋友的支持。我要感谢UCA对我在这几年的持续支持和鼓励。我特别感谢UCA薛海培会长及其团队的鼎力支持。没有薛会长亲力亲为的鼓励和支持，我们不可能抗争到到今天！ 陶丰 References and Links 2024/08/13 South China Morning Post: Why the spectre of another Trump term haunts China-born scientists in the US 2024/08/07 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 356) Amended Judgment of Acquittal 2024/07/22 Chemistry World: Chinese-born chemist cleared of last conviction under US’s espionage probe 2024/07/17 AsAmNews: Court overturns Dr. Feng ‘Franklin’ Tao’s conviction under China initiative 2024/07/13 AP: Court voids last conviction of Kansas researcher in case that started as Chinese espionage probe 2024/07/12 星岛环球网: “中国计划”首位被起诉华人学者，堪萨斯大学副教授陶丰上诉得直 2024/07/12 世界新聞網: 缠讼4年 中国行动计划首位起诉教授陶丰 10控罪全撤销 2024/07/12 Science: Court exonerates Kansas professor in China research fraud case 2024/07/12 Kansas Reflector: Federal appellate court tosses final conviction in case against former tenured Kansas professor 2024/07/11 俄州亚太联盟: 罪名被推翻，陶峰教授赢了！ 2024/07/11 美國華人聯盟 UCA: 快讯 | 华裔学者陶丰胜诉，联邦上诉法院推翻定罪 2024/07/11 Reuters: Kansas researcher wins reversal of conviction in Trump-era China probe 2022/02/14 USA v Tao 2:19-cr-20052: (Doc. 222) Order [jump to menu] 2025/01/03 Tao v. University of Kansas (2:25-cv-02005) On January 3, 2025, Profssor Tao filed a civil rights employment discrimination lawsuit titled Tao v. University of Kansas (Case No. 2:25-cv-02005) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. References and Links CourtListener: Tao v. University of Kansas (2:25-cv-02005) 2025/03/02 New York Times: Professor, Scrutinized for Ties to China, Sues to Get His Job Back Community Engagement and Support The communities were mobilized and engaged from the first day of Professor Tao’s indictment. On August 21, 2019, the day of DOJ’s indictment, Bloomberg conducted a web search and published the first media report on Professor Tao’s case by fact-checking some of the allegations of the indictment. On September 9, 2019, APA Justice convened a regular conference call (those were days before the use of Zoom) to inform concerned individuals and organizations about the indictment of Professor Tao. On August 20, 2020, Advancing Justice | AAJC and Advancing Justice | ALC filed an amicus brief in United States v. Feng "Franklin" Tao, providing significant evidence of racial profiling against Asian American and immigrant scientists and researchers. On November 28, 2020, a GoFundMe campaign was set up for a legal defense fund for Professor Tao. Almost 6,000 donations have been made so far. When the jury trial date was set to start on December 6, 2021, a turnout campaign was being organized to support Professor Tao in Kansas City, Kansas On January 18, 2023, supporters of Professor Tao gathered in the cold wind and rain outside the Robert J. Dole Federal Courthouse as he was sentenced for the lone conviction of making a false statement. On September 21, 2023, over 30 community members came from across the country to show their support for Professor Tao by attending the hearing to overturn the lone conviction, which was held by the 10th Circuit Appeals Court in Denver, Colorado. References and Links 2024/07/24 South China Morning Post: Chinese-born scientist in US tells of ‘fear and desperation’ from Trump-era convictions 2024/07/17 Asian American Scholar Forum: AASF Celebrates Dr. Franklin Tao’s Appeal Victory 2024/07/17 Advancing Justice | AAJC: Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Commends Decision Overturning Conviction of Dr. Feng “Franklin” Tao Under the ‘China Initiative’ 2023/09/20 Asian American Scholar Forum: Important Reminder, New Time & Virtual Option Available for Dr. Tao's Appeal 2023/01/18 Kansas Reflector: Advocates gather to support former University of Kansas professor following his sentencing 2022/03/20 俄州亚太联盟: 紧急呼吁声援陶丰教授赢得司法公正，周一开庭 2022/03/19 北美新视界: 开庭在即 紧急呼吁声援陶教授赢得司法公正 2022/03/16 Asian and Asian-American Faculty & Staff Council at University of Kansas: Statement on Franklin Tao's Trial 2022/03/04 CALDA: CALDA捐款声援陶丰教授，众人合力再战美国政府！ 2022/03/03 UCA: 陶丰负债累累即将开庭 陈刚挺身而出呼吁募捐 2021/08/15 侨报网: 又一被控华裔教授叫屈！陶丰律师指FBI误导法官 2021/01/28 《美南日报》: 陶峰教授即將與司法部對簿公堂 2021/01/22 United Chinese Americans: 陶峰即将与司法部对簿公堂 2020/11/28 GoFundMe: Legal Defense Fund for Franklin Tao 2020/08/21世界日报: 亞裔民權機構：未披露與中國大學關係不算商業間諜 2020/08/20 Advancing Justice | AAJC: United States v. Tao Amicus Brief 2019/08/21 Bloomberg: U.S. Says Scientist Hid Job in China. Web Search Tells Otherwise https://asamnews.com/2024/07/17/feng-franklin-tao-university-professor-kansas-overturned-conviction/ www.stnn.cc “中国计划”首位被起诉华人学者，堪萨斯大学副教授陶丰上诉得直 | 星岛环球网 美国上诉法庭第十巡回庭昨就堪萨斯大学副教授陶丰“虚假陈述”陪审团定罪的上诉进行裁决，认为此项罪名不成立，判地区法院取消这项罪名。 https://bit.ly/46Rf5es Previous Item Next Item

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