Newsletter - #181 Heritage Month; Alien Land Bills; C100 Conference; Monica Bertagnolli; Fulbright; + #181 Heritage Month; Alien Land Bills; C100 Conference; Monica Bertagnolli; Fulbright; + In This Issue #181 May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month Latest Developments on Discriminatory Alien Land Bills in Florida and Texas Committee of 100 Annual Conference Who is Monica Bertagnolli, Biden's pick to lead NIH? Want to Improve US-China Relations? Bring back Fulbright Program, Advocates Say Activities and News for the Communities May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) 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. It became the AANHPI Heritage Month under President Joe Biden . May was selected as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 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, 1869.2023/04/28 White House: A Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2023 2023/05/01 Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus: CAPAC Members and House Democratic Leader Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023/05/01 National Academy of Public Administration: AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight - Pursuing a More Perfect Union and an Equitable Society by Jeremy Wu On May 1, 2023, CNN updated a story about the terms such as Asian American. APA. APIDA. AAPI. and AANHPI to describe this population of more than 24 million people with roots in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Hawaii, Samoa, Guam, Fiji, Tonga, Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and other Pacific islands. It comprises scores of ethnic groups with distinct histories, cuisines, languages and cultures. It includes recent immigrants, those who have been in the US for generations and those who have endured centuries of colonization.The US government currently defines Asian Americans as those “having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.” It uses the separate category of “Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander” to describe those “having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.”Read the CNN report: https://cnn.it/3NX7eo6 Latest Developments on Discriminatory Alien Land Bills in Florida and Texas According to an opinion by the Los Angeles Times on May 3, 2023, while our country celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature are busy resurrecting a long-dead form of anti-Asian discrimination. The Florida Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 264 in April, and on May 3, the Florida House rushed to pass its twin, House Bill 1355, purportedly to prohibit the Chinese government from buying real estate in Florida. By targeting “any member of the People’s Republic of China,” the bill could also wreak havoc on the lives of ordinary people.On May 9, 2023, multiple media including Axios reported that Gov. DeSantis signed legislation that prevents certain foreign nationals from China and six other countries from purchasing what the state deems sensitive American land. It becomes effective on July 1, 2023. DeSantis also signed off on two other bills: one restricting government desktops or servers from downloading TikTok, an app owned by a Chinese company; and another prohibiting Florida colleges and universities from engaging in a partnership with schools overseas without governmental approval. Also on May 9, 2023, United Chinese Americans (UCA) issued a statement calling for national action against the discriminatory law that "among other things, prohibits Chinese nationals from acquiring real property in the state based solely on race, ethnicity and country of origin, ostensibly in the name of national security." According to the statement, UCA will work with Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA) and others to challenge this misguided Florida law and see to it that it is struck down by the Federal court or repealed by the people of Florida. UCA calls on Americans in all walks of life, corporations, civic organizations and faith-based groups, to condemn this act of blatant discrimination. A video titled " A Dark Day in America " (4:09) including statements by Haipei Shue, UCA President, and Anders Fung , Member of Millbrae City Council, was posted by Ding Ding TV.Also on the same day, CALDA issued a statement that the Florida bill may seem to be limited to real estate transactions, but in fact it regards the Chinese people as a threat to the national security of the United States and a target for isolation by the whole society. Despite some last minute changes, the bill still contains undisguised racial discrimination. These provisions mainly target ordinary people and various companies in several countries, prohibiting or restricting their basic rights to directly or indirectly purchase real estate. These provisions violate the US Constitution's prohibition of racial discrimination, and also conflict with the basic values of American society such as equality, tolerance and diversity.Once this discriminatory law is established, it will undoubtedly set off a wave of hatred against Chinese and even all Asians, and no one can be alone. States such as Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia are actively promoting bills similar to those in Florida.CALDA announced immediate legal action to overturn this discriminatory bill. It expects to file a lawsuit in Florida court in about a week, and a court injunction preventing the law from taking effect before the end of this month. CALDA has already begun assembling a team of attorneys and contacting potential plaintiff representatives. It will also work with all like-minded groups, including FAAJA and UCA, to stem this latest anti-Chinese wave. Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC) and Civil Rights Town Hall on 2023/05/13 According to Houston Style Magazine on May 9, 2023, the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, with the support of Congressman Al Green , is organizing a Civil Rights Town Hall on May 13th, 2023, at 1 pm at FountainLife Center, located at 14083 S. Main St. Houston, TX 77035. The event will bring together a diverse group of community leaders and organizations, including Congressman Al Green, Rep. Gene Wu , Rep. Ron Reynolds , Bishop James Dixon (NAACP, Houston Branch), Wea Lee (International Trade Center), Judson Robinson (Houston Area Urban League), Dr. Steven Pei (United Chinese Americans), Nabila Mansoor (Rise AAPI), Niloufar Hafizi (Emgage Texas), Dawn Lin (Asian Real Estate Association of America), Gary Nakamura (Japanese American Citizens League, Houston), Claude Cummings, Jr. (Communications Workers of America), Kenneth Li (Asian American Business Council), Eileen Huang (United Association of Chinese Alumni), Dr. Sergio Lira (Greater Houston LULAC 4967), Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth , Hua Gu (Sino Professionals Association), Guowei Gu (Shandong Fellowship Association of Southern USA), Baohua Yang (Henan Fellowship Association of Southern USA), Liang Han (Southern Jiangsu Association USA), Yizhu Liao (Hunan Club of Houston), Kathy Xu (Texas Northeast Chinese Association), Casey Kang (Korean American Chamber of Commerce), Terrance Koontz (Texas Organizing Project), Ruth Kravetz (Community Voices for Public Education), Lani Cabral Pasao (People Caring for the Community), Stephen Yoe (Myanmar Chamber of Commerce), Harry Sun (Chinese Chamber of Commerce), H.C. Chang (OCA Greater Houston), William White (CAIR Houston) and many others. The participation of these organizations highlights the broad support for the event and the urgent need to stand against the harmful actions that threaten the rights and opportunities of communities of color.The primary objective of the town hall is to unite multicultural organizations and individuals against the racist and xenophobic Senate Bill 147 and the state takeover of the HISD school board. These actions are detrimental to communities of color: SB 147 threatens the right to property ownership, and the HISD takeover imperils access to quality education and equal opportunities.Read the Houston Style Magazine report: https://bit.ly/3nLxkzV Committee of 100 Annual Conference On May 5, 2023, Jeremy Wu , Founder of APA Justice and Member of the Committee of 100, delivered opening remarks to set the context on Turbulent Times for Chinese Americans. The presentations with and without script are posted at https://bit.ly/3NSmYZx . Eight categories of challenges are identified to be of top concerns to the Chinese American and scientific communities. Legalizing discrimination at the state and federal levels Return of the Red Scare and McCarthyism Warrantless surveillance Mini "China Initiative" conducted by the National Institutes of Health Cross-border profiling, interrogation, harassment, and denial of entry Continuing fallout from the now-defunct "China Initiative" Collateral damage from the deteriorating U.S.-China relations Anti-Asian hate and violence 2023/05/07 Los Angeles Post: Focusing on Challenges Faced by Chinese Americans in Turbulent Times, Committee of 100’s 2023 Annual Meeting Concludes in Silicon Valley 2023/05/07 South China Morning Post: Asian-Americans should prepare for more hate, committee warns 2023/05/06 South China Morning Post: Asian-Americans face numerous hurdles to win greater acceptance and influence, experts say Who is Monica Bertagnolli, Biden's pick to lead NIH? According to Science on April 27, 2023, Monica Bertagnolli never had the luxury of easing into her new job as head of the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI).Several weeks after taking over the largest component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in October 2022, the then–63-year-old surgical oncologist was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Early in April, she unveiled a plan to implement President Joe Biden ’s signature Cancer Moonshot initiative. And Biden is expected to cap Bertagnolli’s whirlwind first 7 months in Washington, D.C., by nominating her to become the 17th director of NIH, the federal government’s crown jewel of biomedical research.The previous NIH Director, Francis Collins , stepped down in December 2021. If confirmed by the Senate, Bertagnolli would be only the second woman to lead NIH, following Bernadine Healy , who stepped down in 1993.Once nominated, her first hurdle will be a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee . Bertagnolli has never testified before Congress (and leading NCI doesn’t require Senate confirmation). The HELP panel is chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders (I–VT).On March 23, 2023, Science published an investigative report titled PALL OF SUSPICION - The National Institutes of Health’s “China initiative” has upended hundreds of lives and destroyed scores of academic careers and an editorial titled Eroding Trust and Collaboration . "Given the information available in the public domain, the scientific community could easily conclude that this is a xenophobic program to harm Chinese scientists and cut off international scientific cooperation. The federal government needs to figure out a way to let the NIH and the institutions reassure the community that this is all worth it," the editorial concluded.Read the Science report at https://bit.ly/3oWH1eY and its editorial at https://bit.ly/3z24z40 Want to Improve US-China Relations? Bring back Fulbright Program, Advocates Say According to the South China Morning Post on April 28, 2023, as tensions between Washington and Beijing keep rising, a loose alliance of former officials, politicians and ordinary US citizens are pushing to restore one of America’s oldest and most prestigious connections to China that observers hail as unmatched in its potential to put the relationship back on track.The Fulbright China program, which for over four decades sent American scholars to the country and brought their Chinese counterparts to the US, was cancelled in 2020 by an executive order from then-president Donald Trump over Beijing’s imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong. President Joe Biden has extended the order twice.Opposition came thick and fast from within and outside the Fulbright community. Seton Hall University professor Margaret Lewis , for example, likened the decision to “shooting ourselves in the foot”, and an alumni-led petition to restore the program garnered more than 700 signatures in two days.“Appalled” by the cancellation, Colleen O’Connor and fellow alumni formed a group of 100 volunteers called the Protect Fulbright China Coalition to push for its restoration. On March 29, 2023 Representatives Rick Larsen of Washington, Don Beyer of Virginia and Judy Chu of California reintroduced the Restoring Fulbright Exchanges bill .Under the Nationalist government in 1947, China was the first country to sign a Fulbright agreement with the US, though the program was paused after the Communist Party came into power in 1949. Since restoring operations after the two countries normalized relations in 1979, the US sent more than 3,500 Americans to China under the program and received more than 1,500 Chinese in the US. Proponents describe its impact as profound.The Fulbright China program counts among its alumni Kevin Nealer , a former member of president Barack Obama’s Intelligence Advisory Board; Scott Kennedy , senior adviser in Chinese business and economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; John Pomfret , The Washington Post’s former Beijing bureau chief; and legions of academics.As of last October, there were fewer than 400 American students in the country – a sharp contrast from 2018, when China was hosting more than 11,000.There are organizations in the Biden administration, particularly in intelligence and law enforcement, “who are opposing restoring the Fulbright on national security grounds”, said Dennis Wilder , a research fellow at the Initiative for US-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University, while noting these concerns were not necessarily shared by the White House. Neither the Trump nor Biden administration spelled out what the concerns with the program were.Read the South China Morning Post report: https://bit.ly/3ngzvLl News and Activities for the Communities 1. Victims of Mass Shooting in Allen, Texas According to multiple media reports, eight people including four Asian Americans were killed, and at least seven others were injured in a mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets in Texas on May 6, 2023.Three of the victims killed in Saturday's shooting belonged to one family. Cindy Cho, 35, and Kyu Cho, 37, and their 3-year-old son, James Cho , were among the victims. Their 6-year-old son, William , was also shot and has been released from the ICU. He is now with his extended family. The Korean American family was visiting the Allen Premium Outlets to exchange clothes William had gotten for his birthday four days prior to the shooting. Aishwarya Thatikonda, an engineer from India who lived in the Dallas suburb, was among those killed. She was less than a week away from celebrating her 28th birthday. Thatikonda was at the Allen mall with a friend when the shooting took place. Her friend was wounded in the shooting. Her family is now planning to repatriate her remains to India with the help of the Telugu Association of North America. She received a master's degree in construction management from Eastern Michigan University in the US in 2020. For the last two years, she was working for a Dallas-based contracting firm on a US work visa.On May 9, 2023, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued a statement about the mass shooting. “While investigations into specific motive are ongoing, Allen, Texas, and the surrounding areas have among the highest percentage of Asian Americans outside of the coasts and half of the victims are also of Asian descent. With the shooter’s likely social media presence demonstrating an ugly promotion of neo-Nazism and violent white supremacist ideology, it remains clear Congress and elected officials around the country have a lot more to do to fight extremism here at home and create a safe, welcoming multiracial democracy for us all.“This is the second largest mass shooting in this country this year, but every single day Americans die from gun violence. From going to the mall, going to school, to celebrating Lunar New Year, knocking on the wrong door or driving down the wrong driveway, it is clear that the problem is the guns. We must ban assault weapons now. Letting these weapons of war remain on our streets comes at the cost of American lives.” 2. Turbulence Ahead: Racial & Religious Profiling at the Border and Ports According to Advancing Justice | AAJC on April 20, 2023, 22 years after 9/11, racial and religious profiling is still the harsh reality for many Americans. Last March, three Muslim-American travelers from Minnesota, Texas, and Arizona sued the Department of Homeland Security after they were stopped multiple times by U.S. officials over several years at the border and in international airports. They were interrogated to determine if they were Muslims, if they attended a mosque, and how often they prayed. The distress of these experiences has led one man to stop wearing a kufi and to stop carrying religious texts when he travels internationally to avoid scrutiny. In recent months, there have also been reports of academics and scientists of Chinese descent being stopped, questioned, and harassed by law enforcement upon re-entry into the U.S., creating a chilling effect for many in the community.Profiling people at the border due to their race, ethnicity, or religion is illegal under the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is required to base its enforcement activities solely on credible intelligence and legitimate law enforcement purposes.In recent years, several racial and religious profiling cases have been widely reported and further highlight the problem at the border. Racial and religious profiling has created an environment of fear for communities of color across the country, but there are steps you can take to stand up for yourself.Read the Advancing Justice | AAJC blog at https://bit.ly/3ndt0ZJ 3 . 'Anti-Asian Racism' names the sin of white supremacy in Catholic Church According to the National Catholic Reporter on April 29, 2023, Servite Fr. Joseph Cheah is hopeful that telling Asian American-centered stories will help communities and individuals begin to understand the ways in which racism and white supremacy have shaped history. In his latest book, Anti-Asian Racism: Myths, Stereotypes, and Catholic Social Teaching , Cheah takes a wide and integral view on how Catholic social teaching can inform the way Catholics engage in the work of anti-racism in the context of Asian American communities. Read the National Catholic Reporter interview at https://bit.ly/3ALaV8F Subscribe to The APA Justice Newsletter Complete this simple form at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM to subscribe. Please share it with those who wish to be informed and join the fight. View past newsletters here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Copyright © 2023 APA Justice, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in or have expressed interest. Our mailing address is: APA Justice P.O. Box 257 McLean, VA 22101-0257 Add us to your address book We do not share, sell, rent or trade any of your information with third parties unless you provide explicit consent. Read our Privacy Policy here . Back View PDF May 11, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #44 Registration Opens for Third Webinar; "China Initiative"; Hate Crimes #44 Registration Opens for Third Webinar; "China Initiative"; Hate Crimes Back View PDF February 19, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

3 scientists were ousted by MD Anderson Cancer Center over concerns about Chinese conflicts of interest. April 19, 2019 On April 19, 2019, the Houston Chronicle and Science jointly reported that 3 scientists were ousted by MD Anderson Cancer Center over concerns about Chinese conflicts of interest, the first such publicly disclosed punishments since federal officials directed some institutions to investigate specific professors in violation of granting agency policies. MD Anderson took the actions after receiving e-mails last year from the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s largest public funder of biomedical research, describing conflicts of interest or unreported foreign income by five faculty members. The agency, which has been assisted by the FBI, gave the cancer center 30 days to respond. The departures follow an unprecedented Houston gathering last summer at which FBI officials warned Texas academic and medical institution leaders of the threat, particularly from insiders, and called on them to share with the agency any and all suspicious behavior and information. On April 25, 2019, the United Chinese Americans (UCA), a nationwide nonprofit and nonpartisan federation and a community civic movement, released a statement to raise concerns for Chinese American scientists as collateral damage in the crossfire between the United States and China due to deteriorating relations, including five appeals to address the current situartion. This was reported by the Houston Chronicle on April 29, 2019, expressing "grave concern" that ethnically Chinese scientists have become "collateral damage in the crossfire" of deteriorating U.S.-China relations. 3 scientists were ousted by MD Anderson Cancer Center over concerns about Chinese conflicts of interest. Previous Next Chinese Scientists Ousted from MD Anderson Cancer Center

Newsletter - #30 More On 12/02 Webinar; Presidential Transition; Happy Thanksgiving #30 More On 12/02 Webinar; Presidential Transition; Happy Thanksgiving Back View PDF November 23, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Xiaofeng Wang 王晓峰 Associate Dean for Research James H. Rudy Professor of Computer Science, Engineering and Informatics Director of Center for Security and Privacy in Informatics, Computing, and Engineering Director of Secure Computing Indiana University Table of Contents Overview Continuing Developments Overview Xiaofeng Wang, a prominent cybersecurity professor at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), was terminated on March 28, 2025—the same day FBI and Department of Homeland Security agents conducted searches at his homes in Bloomington and Carmel, Indiana. The university has not publicly disclosed the reasons for his dismissal. Professor Wang's wife, Nianli Ma—a library systems analyst at the university—was also terminated on March 24, 2025. The American Association of University Professors' Bloomington chapter has criticized the university's handling of Wang's termination, asserting that it violated due process and university policies. The specific reasons behind the federal investigation remain undisclosed, and the search warrants have been sealed. Efforts have been made to unseal these documents to gain clarity on the situation. Professor Wang is reportedly represented by Attorneys Jason Covert and Jackie Bennett Jr. of Taft Law . References and Links 2025/04/10 Indiana Daily Student: Nianli Ma terminated 4 days before FBI searched her and Xiaofeng Wang’s homes 2025/04/03 The Herald-Times: IU professor Xiaofeng Wang investigated for academic misconduct before FBI search 2025/04/02 Indiana Public Media: Lawyers: Fired cybersecurity expert and wife safe and not charged with a crime 2025/04/02 Indiana Daily Student: IU computer science faculty condemn Xiaofeng Wang’s termination in letter 2025/04/02 WIRED: Cybersecurity Professor Faced China-Funding Inquiry Before Disappearing, Sources Say 2025/04/02 South China Morning Post: Exclusive | US cyber expert Wang Xiaofeng ‘is safe’ after FBI raids, source says 2025/04/02 Indiana Daily Student: IU professor and library analyst face no pending criminal charges, lawyers say 2025/04/02 Reuters: Cybersecurity professor targeted by FBI has not been detained, lawyer says 2025/04/01 South China Morning Post: US cyber expert Wang Xiaofeng took Singapore job before FBI raids: university letter 2025/04/01 Indiana Public Media: Fired prof accused of research misconduct, FBI involvement unclear 2025/03/31 CNBC: Indiana U. fired cybersecurity professor XiaoFeng Wang on day FBI searched his homes: Union 2025/03/31 South China Morning Post: China Initiative 2.0? Raids on scientist Wang Xiaofeng revive spectre from first Trump era 2025/03/31 Indiana Daily Student: Faculty organization alleges IU violated policy in terminating Xiaofeng Wang 2025/03/31 Fox-59: IU faculty protests firing of professor in FBI probe 2025/03/31 WTHR: I U professor allegedly fired after FBI raids on homes in Carmel and Bloomington 2025/03/31 WIRED: Cybersecurity Professor Mysteriously Disappears as FBI Raids His Homes 2025/03/30 ARS Technica: FBI raids home of prominent computer scientist who has gone incommunicado 2025/03/30 Indiana Public Media: FBI won’t say why agents searched homes of IU cybersecurity expert 2025/03/29 MSN: Professor Abruptly Fired Amid FBI Raid 2025/03/28 WTHR: FBI seizes boxes of evidence after searching Carmel, Bloomington homes Return to Table of Contents Continuing Developments On April 12, 2025, the Federation of Asian Professor Associations (FAPA) issued a public statement regarding the case of Professor Wang, condemning his termination by IU and raising serious concerns about the erosion of due process, threats to academic freedom, and the ongoing pattern of racial profiling targeting Chinese American scientists. FAPA also sent an open letter to IU President Pamela Whitten. On April 1, 2025, Stanford University cybersecurity scholar Riana Pfefferkorn filed a motion Tuesday to unseal the warrants used to execute searches of IU professor Xiaofeng Wang and Nianli Ma’s homes last week. She filed the motion in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. On April 17, 2025, John E. Childress, the acting U.S. attorney of the Southern District of Indiana argued the search warrants used in the FBI searches of Xiaofeng Wang and Nianli Ma’s homes March 28 should remain sealed in response to the motion to release the warrants. On April 14, 2024, the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) hosted a State of Play Town Hall, in which Nianli Ma, wife of Professor Xiaoxeng Wang spoke about her family situation. AASF and a coalition of organizations and individuals wrote a letter to Rahul Shrivastav, Provost of Indiana University (IU) and requested reinstament of Professor Wang. On April 14, 2025, a GoFundMe campaign for Professor Wang was started by his son, Luke Wang, at https://bit.ly/3E70Vfm . Nianli Ma Professor Wang termination reportedly involved an undisclosed research grant from China in 2017-2018. On April 17, 2025, Day of Action for Higher Ed, IU computer science chair Yuzhen Ye said Professor Wang was not even aware of the grant when university officials asked him about it. “So apparently a researcher in China applied for this grant without his knowledge," she said "So (Wang) explained and also he provided a supporting documentation to IU. I truly believe this really could have unfolded in a very different way if IU administration had chosen to trust its own faculty or give them a fair chance to respond,” Professor Ye said. References and Links Southern District of Indiana: In Re: Motion to Uunseal Search Warrants (1:25-mc-00022) 2025/04/18 Herald-Times: Wife, son of cybersecurity professor Xiaofeng Wang make first comments since FBI raid 2025/04/17 Indiana Daily Student: U.S. attorney argues to keep search warrants for Xiaofeng Wang’s home searches sealed 2025/04/17 Indiana Public Media: IU department chair says Wang didn't know about undisclosed Chinese research grant 2025/04/17 Indian Public Media: Protest groups at IU unite for National Day of Action on higher education 2025/04/16 Guardian: The mysterious firing of a Chinese professor has Asian students on edge: ‘Brings chills to our spines’ 2025/04/15 South China Morning Post: ‘It hurts deeply’: Nianli Ma, wife of cyber expert Xiaofeng Wang, speaks up over FBI raids 2025/04/14 WIRED: A Cybersecurity Professor Disappeared Amid an FBI Search. His Family Is ‘Determined to Fight’ 2025/04/12 FAPA: Open Letter to Pamela Whitten, President, Indiana University 2025/04/12 FAPA: Public Statement on the Case of Dr. Xiaofeng Wang 2025/04/02 Indiana Daily Student: Stanford scholar files motion to unseal warrants used to search homes of Xiaofeng Wang 2025/03/31 AAUP IU Bloomington Chapter: Open Letter to Rahul Shrivastav, Provost, Indiana University Return to Table of Contents Previous Item Next Item

Newsletter - #333 Hate Crime Victim Speaks; Trump on Harvard/Funding Cuts/Litigations; Meng/Hirono Bill+ #333 Hate Crime Victim Speaks; Trump on Harvard/Funding Cuts/Litigations; Meng/Hirono Bill+ In This Issue #333 · Hate Crime Victim to Speak at 2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Trump Revokes Harvard’s Authority to Enroll International Students · U.S. Science Faces Crisis Amid Deep Federal Funding Cuts · Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions · Meng, Hirono Introduce Legislation to Promote the Teaching of AANHPI History in Schools · News and Activities for the Communities Hate Crime Victim to Speak at 2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting According to AsAmNews , BlackNews , KABC , LA Times , Washington Post , and multiple media reports, Aki Maehara , a 71-year-old Japanese American professor and Vietnam War veteran, was struck by a speeding vehicle on April 29, 2025, while riding his electric bicycle near his home in a suburb of Los Angeles. Moments before the crash, Maehara says he heard racial slurs directed at him. The case is now under investigation by the Montebello Police Department as a possible hate crime.Maehara, a longtime professor of Asian American history at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), sustained serious injuries in the attack. He suffered a concussion, fractured cheekbone, deep arm lacerations, and trauma to his hips, lower back, and neck. His electric bike was destroyed in the collision. But what shocked him even more than the physical pain were the words he heard before and after the attack.“I heard, ‘ f**** c***k,’ and I got hit,” Maehara told Eyewitness News. “My bike and I were thrown down. As soon as I hit that row of bricks, I heard the guy say, ‘Go back to f**** c***k land,’ and then he drove away.” “I wear a full-face helmet with a glare visor,” Maehara said. “There’s no way anybody could see my face. So how the hell did he know I’m Asian?”The motive behind the attack appears deeply personal. Maehara is no stranger to harassment. Over the course of his teaching career, which has included courses on the history of racism in the United States and the Vietnam War, he has faced intimidation and threats. He recounted multiple incidents, including classroom protests by Chicano Republicans and even a visit from Ku Klux Klan members during his tenure at Cal State Long Beach.Despite his injuries and the trauma of the attack, Maehara refused to retreat from the classroom. Just weeks after being hospitalized, he returned to teach his final classes of the semester. “It was important for me to show up because they’re trying to stop me,” he said.Friends, former students, and community members have rallied around him in the wake of the attack. Glorya Cabrera , a longtime friend, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for his recovery expenses, including additional in-home care beyond what the VA hospital is currently providing. Community leaders have called for greater awareness and systemic change. “This isn’t just about one man on a bike,” said a spokesperson from the Stop AAPI Hate coalition. “It’s about decades of racism, invisibility, and a failure to protect our communities. Mr. Maehara’s story is one of courage, but also a wake-up call.”Maehara’s attack is yet another stark reminder that anti-Asian hate remains an ongoing battle and underscores the vulnerability that many AAPI individuals feel in their daily lives.Professor Aki Maehara, along with community leaders, has accepted the invitation to speak on the incicent at the APA Justice monthly meeting on June 2, 2025. 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 . Trump Revokes Harvard’s Authority to Enroll International Students According to CNN , New York Times , Reuters , The Hill , and multiple media reports, in a dramatic escalation of its ongoing confrontation with Harvard University, the Trump administration on May 22, 2025, revoked the school’s ability to enroll international students—striking a major blow to one of the university’s most important sources of funding and global prestige.The decision, conveyed in a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem , is part of a broader federal investigation into Harvard’s compliance with immigration and education policies. The move follows tense exchanges between the university and the Department of Homeland Security over the legality of a sweeping request for records related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).The revocation means that Harvard can no longer admit international students and that current international students must transfer or risk losing their legal status in the United States. The university, which has around 6,800 international students—roughly 27% of its student body—is expected to challenge the move in court. It would be the second legal confrontation between Harvard and the Trump administration in recent weeks. Last month, the university sued the federal government over what it described as unconstitutional attempts to alter its curriculum, admissions policies, and hiring practices.The financial impact of the decision is likely to be significant. With tuition alone approaching $60,000 a year—and total costs nearing $87,000—international students often pay a substantial share of their education expenses, making them a key revenue source.Harvard said the move by the Trump administration was illegal and amounted to retaliation. Harvard rejected the allegations and pledged to support foreign students. The government’s action is unlawful," the university said in a statement. "This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.” The university said it was "fully committed" to educating foreign students and was working on producing guidance for affected students. U.S. Science Faces Crisis Amid Deep Federal Funding Cuts According to reports by the New York Times on May 21 and May 22 , 2025, respectively, a deepening funding crisis is shaking the foundation of U.S. scientific research, with the Trump administration imposing sweeping cuts across key institutions, including Harvard University and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The result is a dramatic slowdown in research activity, jeopardizing America’s innovation pipeline and scientific leadership.At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the situation is especially severe. Following accusations from federal officials that the school promotes “amorphous equity objectives” and fosters antisemitism, the administration froze federal grants—cutting off a vital lifeline that constitutes nearly 60% of the school’s revenue. More than 130 researchers had their funding abruptly canceled, threatening major studies on ALS, tuberculosis, and multiple sclerosis. Faculty describe the emergency response—cutting programs, ending leases, and training staff in private fundraising—as “all-consuming.” With many scientists considering offers from institutions in Europe and China, administrators fear a permanent brain drain. Simultaneously, the NSF is issuing new grants at the slowest rate in at least 35 years. As of May 21, only $989 million in grants had been awarded for 2025—down 51% from the average of the past decade. The slowdown is hitting virtually every scientific field, including computer science, biology, climate research, and STEM education. Compounding the problem, more than 1,600 active NSF research projects have beenterminated, eliminating around $1.5 billion in previously approved funding.While the administration argues that elite universities like Harvard should rely on their own endowments and that NSF funds must align with conservative priorities, critics warn these ideologically driven cuts threaten the nation’s scientific infrastructure. Economists caution that reduced research investment could have long-term consequences on economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions As of April 29, 2025, the second Trump Administration has issued 142 executive orders, exceeding the record of 99 set during President Franklin D. Roosevelt 's first term, according to a May 16, 2025, Congressional Research Service (CRS) report . This surge in executive actions has sparked court challenges and injunctions. As of May 21, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trum p's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 246 (8 closed cases). As of May 21, 2025, the New York Times reported at least 165 of the court rulings have at least temporarily paused some of the Trump administration initiatives due to concerns over presidential authority, constitutional violations, or federal statute infringements. The CRS report identified 25 cases in which district courts had issued nationwide injunctions. Nationwide injunctions are court orders against the government that prevent the government from implementing a challenged law, regulation, or other policy against all relevant persons and entities, whether or not such persons or entities are parties participating in the litigation. Commentators, judges, lawmakers, and executive branch officials debate whether and when it is appropriate for a court to enjoin a government action in its entirety, with some arguing that nationwide injunctions are rarely or never appropriate, while others defend the practice.They 25 nationwide injunctions covered by CRS include: · 10 on federal funding · 3 on birthright citizenship · 2 each on federal agencies, federal employment, immigration, information disclosure, and military service · 1 each on DEI and elections. CRS categorized cases by subject matter manually. While some cases raised multiple legal and policy issues and could potentially be classified in multiple subject areas, CRS selected one primary issue area per case for ease of analysis. National Injunction from terminating the immigration status of foreign students According to the Washington Post on May 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White of the Northern District of California blocked the Trump administration from terminating the immigration status of foreign students, granting nationwide relief to thousands of students caught in the crosshairs of the administration’s crackdown on alleged antisemitism on college campuses. The Trump administration “likely exceeded their authority and acted arbitrarily and capriciously” when officials terminated the legal status of students in a database overseen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Judge White wrote. “The relief the Court grants provides Plaintiffs with a measure of stability and certainty that they will be able to continue their studies or their employment without the threat of re-termination hanging over their heads.”While many courts have granted relief to individuals suing the administration, the judge’s order effectively bars the federal government from arresting, incarcerating or transferring students in these cases and all other individuals nationwide while similar cases are still pending. Injunction Against Dismantling Department of Education According to Reuters on May 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston issued an injunction blocking the department from moving forward with a mass termination announced in March of over 1,300 employees, which would cut its staff by half. "The record abundantly reveals that defendants' true intention is to effectively dismantle the department without an authorizing statute," wrote Joun. "This court cannot be asked to cover its eyes while the department's employees are continuously fired and units are transferred out until the department becomes a shell of itself," the judge wrote. He ordered the administration to not just reinstate the workers but also to halt implementation of Trump's March 21 directive to transfer student loans and special needs programs to other federal agencies.The Trump administration has appealed the decision. Meng, Hirono Introduce Legislation to Promote the Teaching of AANHPI History in Schools On May 22, 2025, U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act , bicameral legislation to promote the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in schools across the country. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to our nation, including in sports, arts, government, science, business, and military service. However, the K-12 education system and social studies textbooks have poorly represented how AANHPIs have played pivotal roles in shaping America for the better. In a recent survey , 42% of respondents were unable to name a famous Asian American, and 42% were unable to name a famous Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The Teaching AANHPI History Act requires Presidential and Congressional Academies’ grant applicants and recipients to include Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian history as part of their American history and civics programs offered to students and teachers. Every year, hundreds of teachers and students attend these academies, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, for an in-depth study of American history and civics. The bill would also encourage the inclusion of AANHPI history within national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovative programming. APA Justice is among the many organizations that have endorsed the Meng-Hirono legislation.Read the CAPAC press release: https://bit.ly/43JYFEs . Read the full text of the legislation: https://bit.ly/4myhBxG . News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2025/05/22 Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala2025/05/29 U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later2025/06/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/06/03 The Second Annual State of the Science Address2025/06/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/06/15-18 2025 Applied Statistics Symposium2025/06/16-24 Discover China 2025: Summer Youth Exchange to the Greater Bay AreaVisit 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 May 23, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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Newsletter - #202 Sign-on Letter to President Biden; Alien Land Laws; Florida Appeal/Motion; 8/26 March #202 Sign-on Letter to President Biden; Alien Land Laws; Florida Appeal/Motion; 8/26 March In This Issue #202 Invitation to Sign Letter to President Biden Urging Renewal of US-China Protocol on Scientific and Technological Cooperation Appeal and Motion Filed in Florida Lawsuit Against Discriminatory Alien Land Law Washington Post Reports on Alien Land Bills See You at "The March on Washington" on August 26, 2023 Invitation to Sign Letter to President Biden Urging Renewal of US-China Protocol on Scientific and Technological Cooperation Stanford University Professors Steven Kivelson and Peter F. Michelson issued the following letter calling for faculty members and scholars at U.S. institutions of higher learning to co-sign a letter to President Joe Biden to renew the US-China Protocol on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. Read the letter: https://bit.ly/3KP6wXG Sign on to the letter: https://bit.ly/3qGWC3r WHEN: Before Noon PDT on Thursday, August 24 Please forward to other members of the university community! Dear Colleagues, The US-China Protocol on Scientific and Technological Cooperation is due for renewal by August 27; in less than 6 days. The decision on whether the U.S. will pursue renewal of the Protocol will be made by the White House, mostly likely with discussion led by the National Security Council of the United States. This agreement has been the basis of scientific engagement between the US and China since it was first signed in 1979 and renewed approximately every five years thereafter. For an informative overview of the Protocol and a discussion of the case for renewing it have a look at a recent essay by Deborah Seligsohn, Senior Associate (non-resident) of CSIS. See also recent coverage in the WSJ and in Reuters . If the Protocol is not renewed by the United States - which seems plausible at present moment - it is likely to have significant negative impact on ongoing and future scientific exchanges between the US and China. We believe that the multiple benefits of robust scientific exchange vastly outweigh any security issues that accompany such openness. Furthermore, the Protocol does not commit the US to any specific activities but provides a framework for discussion and developing specific agreements. The US should not slam the door. If you agree with us, please consider signing an open letter to the President of the United States and the members of the National Security Council expressing support for renewing this agreement. This can be done by clicking on this link and following the instructions. You can also read the letter there. Please also consider forwarding this email to other members of the university community who you think might likewise be willing to sign. If you plan to sign, please do so before Noon PDT on Thursday, August 24. Sincerely, Steven Kivelson and Peter Michelson Appeal and Motion Filed in Florida Lawsuit Against Discriminatory Alien Land Law On August 21, 2023, attorneys for the plaintiffs in the Florida lawsuit against Senate Bill (SB) 264 filed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit from the Order, entered on August 17, 2023, ECF No. 69, denying Plaintiffs’ Emergency Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. Read the appeal: https://bit.ly/44eexMI Also on August 21, 2023, attorneys for the plaintiffs in the Florida lawsuit moved for the Florida District Court to issue an injunction pending appeal in this matter. Plaintiffs request a decision by Thursday, August 24, 2023. Read the motion: https://bit.ly/3KPkR6h Washington Post Reports on Alien Land Bills On August 21, 2023, the Washington Post published two articles on alien land bills: 2023/08/21 Washington Post : State lawmakers move to ban Chinese land ownership . https://wapo.st/45DMG9S 2023/08/21 Washington Post : Laws banning Chinese from buying property dredge up old history. https://wapo.st/45BdyHA According to these comprehensive reports, in Washington, the White House and federal lawmakers are pursuing ways to constrain Chinese-owned businesses like TikTok amid a bipartisan push to limit China’s reach.Now state legislators have embraced a novel, locally focused tactic aimed at China’s domestic investments: restrictions on Chinese land ownership.Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 81 bills this year that would prohibit the Chinese government, some China-based businesses and many Chinese citizens from buying agricultural land or property near military bases, according to a Washington Post analysis of data compiled by Asian Pacific American (APA) Justice, an advocacy group. A dozen of the bills are now law in states such as Alabama, Idaho and Virginia.Asian American advocacy groups and legislators have raised alarm that the new bills go beyond national security concerns and could encourage discrimination against Chinese Americans at a time of rising hate crimes — harking back to a time when they were openly barred from owning property.“There is ignorance out there that causes people to think that because you are Chinese you are part of the Chinese government,” said former Texas state representative Martha Wong , a Republican.While most bills also ban land ownership tied to other “foreign adversaries,” including Russia, Iran and North Korea, lawmakers’ rhetoric has focused almost exclusively on China — and some states have gone even further than targeting government entities. A Florida law also restricts land purchases by Chinese citizens with non-tourist visas.Critics say the movement is also being fueled by growing anti-Asian sentiment in the United States, evidenced by a rise in hate crimes that became particularly acute during the coronavirus pandemic.“President Trump calling covid-19 the China virus and kung flu laid the groundwork for people to blame China for their own misfortunes,” said Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), who is Chinese American and has introduced a bill to combat the landownership restrictions. “Now we see this anti-China fever taking a different route, with politicians trying to gain political points by being more anti-China than the next person.” Wong, 84, testified against several Texas bills by describing how she lived for years as a child in her family’s grocery storage room because no one would rent or sell a home to her Chinese American father. “We do not want backward movement to the type of discrimination my father faced,” she said.The push in states to limit Chinese ownership has extended to Congress, where at least 11 bills aiming to restrict land buys by Chinese businesses and citizens have been introduced over the past three years. None has passed, but several are still pending, and the language from one bill was recently inserted into the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate last month.Some experts say national security concerns are inflated because China and Chinese investors own a fraction of U.S. agricultural lands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report shows Chinese investors own about 1 percent of American agricultural land, and only about 0.03 percent of that is farmland. The rest are agriculturally zoned properties that include rural roads, homesteads and non-farm-related buildings.“For purposes of food security, blocking Chinese or other foreign investors, that argument doesn’t hold a lot of water,” said Joe Glauber , USDA’s chief economist from 2008 to 2014 and now a senior researcher at the International Food Policy Research Institute. “We are already exporting a large portion of what we produce, so it is not a question of needing to keep this stuff at home. As far as farmland is concerned, what China owns is literally a drop in the bucket.”The bills face an uncertain legal future. The American Civil Liberties Union has challenged the constitutionality of the Florida law, making some of the same arguments that caused several state supreme courts to strike down broad bans on land ownership by foreign citizens of Asian countries decades ago, including a pivotal California Supreme Court decision in 1952.“Banning people from buying a house based on where they are from is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Ashley Gorski , a lead attorney in the ACLU case against the state of Florida. “Everyone in the United States is entitled to equal protection under the constitution, including citizens of other countries.”“We expect the political rhetoric on this to escalate and also expect more legislation to be introduced and passed,” said John C. Yang , president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, which has been fighting the bills. “Even state legislators want to appear to be tough on China right now, and they are grasping for things that they can control in their own state legislatures to show that they are being tough.” For weeks this summer, South Florida real estate agent Josie Wang says she’s rushed to close property deals for many of her clients. The sales anxiety wasn’t sparked by the usual forces — high interest rates and low inventory.Instead, she was worried that her Chinese clients would soon face new hurdles to buying property in the United States. If the deals weren’t closed quickly, she warned them, they may need to consult an attorney before moving forward.Over the last few months, Montana, Virginia, and North Dakota have all passed legislation restricting the ability of Chinese nationals to buy property. Georgia, Iowa and Kansas, among others, are considering similar legislation.In Florida, which has passed one of the strictest versions of the law, Chinese nationals can’t buy property within 10 miles of any military bases — the state has 21 of them — or critical infrastructure such as airports. Under the law, which is being challenged in court, those who sell property to Chinese immigrants could face stiff penalties, including a $1,000 fine and up to one year in prison.Asked about the concerns among some people in the Asian community, Jeremy Redfern , Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ’s spokesman, didn’t directly respond, writing in an email, “There is no reasonable way of responding to unnamed ‘Asian Americans in Florida.’”For some Chinese nationals and Chinese Americans the new laws have been a hurtful reminder of anti-Asian laws that banned them from immigrating to the United States or buying agriculture property in the country for decades.“This is not right, we live in the 21st Century,” said Winnie Tang , who moved to the United States from China 45 years ago and lives in Miami. The laws, she says, remind her of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 — a 10-year ban on Chinese laborers immigrating to the United States. “We are being singled out to be discriminated against by other people.”“My face is Chinese,” Tang said. “So that means in the future, if I want to buy any property they could use this law to force me to show ID to prove I’m a citizen and not related to the Chinese government … This law gives people the right to discriminate against me openly.”Critics have called such laws discriminatory and the Department of Justice has said about the Florida version of the law: “These unlawful provisions will cause serious harm to people simply because of their national origin, contravene federal civil rights laws, undermine constitutional rights, and will not advance the State’s purported goal of increasing public safety.” Legislation in Texas, which aimed to ban all property ownership by Chinese citizens, died in the House of Representatives after massive protest from the Asian American community. “I don’t think the Republicans fully appreciated was how unbelievably angry the Asian community was,” Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu , who represents a heavily Chinese district in Houston, said.Some Asian Americans say they have experienced more hate crimes since the pandemic began.“This has always been the singular, major discrimination against all Asian Americans,” Wu said. “That Asian Americans are never truly American enough, that Asian Americans are always just a hair’s breadth away from betraying the country and doing whatever their home country tells them to.”The United States has taken drastic measures against Asian Americans before, said Mae Ngai , a professor of Asian American Studies at Columbia University, noting that during World War II, more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent were forced into camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.“This is where it leads. It leads to putting so-called enemy aliens in concentration camps. I don’t think it’s a ridiculous proposition,” Ngai said. “We should be very, very concerned.”APA Justice tracks the alien land bills at https://www.apajustice.org/alien-land-bills.html , including a map and a list of state bills at https://bit.ly/43oJ0YI See You at "The March on Washington" on August 26, 2023 On August 26, 2023, a 2023 March on Washington will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, organized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders in 1963, to continue the fight for democracy, social justice and civil rights. Join the King family at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the past, acknowledge the present and march toward a future of progress and equality.Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities will join the March to continue the landmark moment in the struggle against racial profiling and hate. Help to distribute the Yellow Whistles to amplify our voice. Please wear yellow to symbolize our struggle for justice and hope. Show our support of peoples of color and conscience. UCA: 纪念“我有一个梦想”演讲60周年 . UCA诚挚邀请您参加8月26日在林肯纪念堂举办的一场特殊活动，以纪念并见证美国历史的重要时刻。 这是一个值得我们每个人珍视的机会，让我们一同回顾并向前看，思考过去的成就、面对现在的挑战、展望未来的希望。林肯纪念堂作为美国历史的见证者，见证了种族平等、人权尊重和社会进步的重要进程。60年前，马丁·路德·金（Martin Luther King Jr.）在这里发表了那篇永载史册的“我有一个梦想”演讲，为美国的平等与正义倡导奠定了基石，成为了社会变革的象征。 在这个特殊的日子里，我们将一同回望过去，追忆那些勇敢的先驱者们为种族平等而奋斗的历程，从60年前的种种挑战到今天我们所面临的机遇与挑战。我们希望通过这次活动，传承那份坚韧和勇气，汲取历史的智慧，为我们未来的努力指明方向。 2023/08/21 Dragon Eagle TV: 8月26日让我们相聚林肯纪念堂穿越60年见证美国历史 (video 0:39) Back View PDF August 22, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #335 Today’s Monthly Meeting; Ohio Alien Land Bills; Chinese Student Visas; Fulbright Finalists Disqualified #335 Today’s Monthly Meeting; Ohio Alien Land Bills; Chinese Student Visas; Fulbright Finalists Disqualified In This Issue #335 · Today’s APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Ohio Lawmakers and Community Members Speak Out Against Alien Land Bills Introduced · Organizations Outraged by Trump Administration Move to Revoke Chinese Student Visas · Trump Administration Disqualified Finalists in Fulbright Selection Process for Being Related to DEI and Climate Change · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, June 2, 2025 , starting at 1:55 pm ET . In addition to updates by Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Jiny Kim , Vice President of Policy and Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), invited speakers are: · Judy Chu , Member, U.S. House of Representatives; Chair Emeritus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Ya Liu , Member, North Carolina House of Representatives · Juanita Brent , Member, Ohio House of Representatives · Edgar Chen , Special Policy Advisor, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) · Aki Maehara , Professor, Historian, East Los Angeles College · Christina Ku and Gerald Ohn, Co-Founders, Asian American Civil Rights League · Brian Sun , Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright · David Inoue , Executive Director; Larry Oda , Chair Emeritus; Gary Nakamura, Vice President, Japanese American Citizens League · Manjusha Kulkarni , Co-Founder, Stop AAPI Hate 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 . Ohio Lawmakers and Community Members Speak Out Against Alien Land Bills Introduced Earlier this year, the Ohio General Assembly introduced bills to restrict foreign property ownership. The House Bill ( HB1 ) was introduced on January 23, and the Senate Bill ( SB88 ) was introduced on February 10, and both were referred to the respective committees within a few days. The house bill number (1) seems to signify its importance, and the senate bill number (88) was said to be a snub at the number eight, which many in Asian countries deem as a fortunate number. The two bills have a similar text for the most part, which is to ban individuals, businesses, and governments of "a foreign adversary" from owning agricultural land from buying property within a 25-mile radius of military bases, airports, and "critical infrastructure", in the name of protecting national security. The Senate bill has additional restrictions that include forcing a current owner to sell their property at its original price. The Asian community raised alarm in May over the proposed bills and quickly mobilized members to participate in committee hearings and voice their concerns. Lawmakers in the Ohio General Assembly also expressed unease, introducing amendments aimed at narrowing the scope of the bills and reducing potential harm. Primary concerns include racial profiling and the targeting of Asian Americans, particularly those of Chinese descent, as well as the disturbing echoes of some of the darkest chapters in American history, such as California's 1913 Alien Land Law , the Chinese Exclusion Act , and the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. As of May 27, the Ohio HB1 received testimonies from 11 Proponents, 68 Opponents, and three (3) Interested Parties, and the Ohio SB88 received testimonies from four (4) Proponents, 231 Opponents, and eight (8) Interested Parties. · Columbus Dispatch : Opponents call Ohio property sales ban 'racist,' 'discriminatory' · Ohio Capital Journal : Hundreds push back against bill prohibiting foreign nationals from buying property in Ohio · WBNS/10TV (CBS affiliate): Asian American community voices concerns over Ohio bills targeting foreign nationals · State House News Bureau (NPR affiliate): A bill would bar Ohio land buys by businesses and immigrants from some countries · WKYC-TV Cleveland (NBC affiliate): Asian American community voices concerns over Ohio bills targeting foreign nationals · Toledo Blade : Ohioans of Asian descent fight ban on property sales to ‘foreign adversaries’ Organizations Outraged by Trump Administration Move to Revoke Chinese Student Visas The Trump Administration is "aggressively revoking" Visas for Chinese students According to the Associated Press , New York Times , and others, the Trump administration announced this week that it would begin "aggressively revoking" visas for Chinese students, including those allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or those studying in unspecified "critical fields." Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement Wednesday evening, adding that the State Department was revising visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of future applications from China, including those from Hong Kong. The move has sent shockwaves across U.S. universities, which collectively host over 275,000 students from China, making them the second-largest group of international students after India. Administrators, professors, and students expressed concerns that the lack of clarity about the policy’s scope, especially how “ties to the CCP” and “critical fields" are defined, will generate confusion and anxiety on campuses. Critics argue the visa crackdown could damage America’s scientific and technological competitiveness. “Shutting the door on Chinese students doesn’t just betray our values — it weakens our leadership in science, technology, and innovation,” said former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke. Universities have long relied on international students for both talent and tuition revenue. “I think it is terribly misguided, counterproductive, and another way in which we are shooting ourselves in the foot,” said Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University. Reactions from Organizations to the Announcement about Revoking Chinese Student Visas On May 28, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued a statement expressing concerns, “The wholesale revocation of student visas based on national origin — and without an investigation — is xenophobic and wrong,” and “turning these students away —many of whom simply wish to learn in a free and democratic society — is not just shortsighted but a betrayal of our values.” On May 29, Advancing Justice I AAJC called Rubio’s announcement “another blow to international students and academia.” The organization condemned the policy as rooted in “fearmongering, racial profiling, and xenophobia,” and said, “exclusionary and discriminatory policies based on stereotypes rarely address actual national security concerns,” “fuel prejudice and unfair targeting of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans” and “have destroyed lives and careers and negatively impacted our country’s competitiveness in global innovation.” In the Asian American Scholar Forum ’s statement, Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa said, “This policy threatens to dismantle the international talent pipeline that has long fueled American innovation and excellence…Treating them with blanket suspicion not only violates principles of fairness, due process, and our democratic values—it sends a chilling message to the world that America no longer welcomes global talent.” The Committee of 100 denounced the visa policy announcement. “This new visa policy will adversely and profoundly affect our colleges and universities, research institutions, scientific discovery, and startups in ways we have yet to fully comprehend,” said Gary Locke, Chair of the Committee of 100 and former U.S. Ambassador to China. U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET) criticized the policy as overly broad, discriminatory, and harmful to American soft power. It warned that the new visa policy “fails to distinguish between individuals who pose genuine risks and those simply seeking educational opportunities,” and “beyond undermining core American values of fairness and openness, these measures pose significant risks to U.S. economic competitiveness, soft power, and long-term diplomatic stability.” USCET said education remains the United States’ single largest service export to China, with spending by Chinese students reaching $14.4 billion USD in 2023 and creating 143,000 US jobs. Trump Administration Disqualified Finalists in Fulbright Selection Process for Being Related to DEI and Climate Change On May 29, Inside Higher Ed reported that the Trump administration staged an unprecedented intervention in this year’s Fulbright selection process, rejecting finalists whose research deals with race, gender, or climate change. The Fulbright Commission of Norway selected 17 finalists for this year’s US Fulbright Program , a prestigious academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department and received approval from the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) in January, but U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent an internal department cable requesting an additional step for the scholarship’s review process, which historically has entailed an initial project review by the Institute of International Education, a secondary review by a panel in the host country and final approval from the FFSB. The State Department ultimately nixed seven of the 17 finalists Norway selected — about 40 percent of their expected Fulbright cohort. The grounds for their rejections were “clearly political,” said Curt Rice , director of the Fulbright Commission of Norway; he said the finalists whose acceptances were overruled all had proposals that dealt with either diversity or climate change. “There is almost no precedent for them to change a list of finalists sent by a host country,” Rice concluded. News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/05/29 U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later2025/06/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/06/03 The Second Annual State of the Science Address2025/06/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/06/15-18 2025 Applied Statistics Symposium2025/06/16-24 Discover China 2025: Summer Youth Exchange to the Greater Bay Area2025/06/29-30 2025 ICSA China ConferenceVisit 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 2, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

The abrupt dismissal of visa fraud and other charges against five scientists from China in five separate “China Initiative” cases and the FBI reports from the discovery process exposed the weaknesses of the prosecutions, dissension in the FBI’s own ranks, and exaggerated claims of national security risks by the government. July 22, 2021 Table of Contents Overview Non-Armed Uniformed Services in the US “Startling” Claim by Assistant Attorney General John Demers What the Juan Tang Case Revealed What the Lei Guan Case Revealed Links and References Overview In court filings on July 22 and 23, 2021, the Department of Justice (DOJ) abruptly moved to drop visa fraud and other charges against five scientists from China in five separate "China Initiative" cases, including four biomedical and cancer researchers in California and a doctoral candidate studying artificial intelligence in Indiana. U.S. District judges have granted dismissal in three of the five cases. The five Chinese nationals are: Lei Guan (关磊), Visiting researcher (mathematics), University of California at Los Angeles Dr. Chen Song (宋琛), Visiting researcher (neurology), Stanford University Dr. Juan Tang (唐娟), Visiting researcher (cancer), University of California at Davis Xin Wang (王欣), Visiting researcher (neurology), University of California at San Francisco Kaikai Zhao (赵凯凯), Doctoral candidate (machine learning and artificial intelligence), Indiana University Prosecutors did not provide explanations in their motions to dismiss. According to multiple media reports, Wyn Hornbuckle, a Justice Department spokesman issued a statement that said "[r]ecent developments in a handful of cases involving defendants with alleged, undisclosed ties to the People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China have prompted the department to re-evaluate these prosecutions... We have determined that it is now in the interest of justice to dismiss them.” DOJ announced the visa fraud charges against four of the five scientists exactly a year ago on July 23, 2020. Just a day earlier, the U.S. ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, accusing it of being a "spy center" to conduct spying activities with local medical centers or universities. The fifth scientist, Lei Guan, was first charged in August 2020 for Destruction and Alteration of Records in a Federal Investigation with visa fraud charges added in September 2020. Although the DOJ did not provide an explanation for the dismissals, Reuters reported that there was "recently disclosed evidence of a report by FBI analysts that questioned if the visa application question on 'military service' was clear enough for Chinese medical scientists at military universities and hospitals." In another report by the Washington Post , an unnamed official was quoted to say that "the punishment for visa fraud typically does not exceed a year. That fact, combined with the prospect of prolonged litigation in several instances, led officials to assess that the interests of justice were best served by dropping the cases." Non-Armed Uniformed Services in the US Some of these five prosecutions were based on photos of the individuals in uniform. However, wearing a uniform does not always imply military service. Out of the eight branches of uniformed services of the United States, two are non-armed: The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is the uniformed personnel system of the United States Public Health Service, which is under the Department of Health and Human Services. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps is a uniformed branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is under the Department of Commerce. “Startling” Claim by Assistant Attorney General John Demers On December 2, 2020, The Washington Post reported that John Demers, Assistant Attorney General John Demers claimed that more than 1,000 researchers who had hidden their affiliation with the Chinese military fled the United States. The exodus came in the wake of the arrests of six Chinese researchers accused of lying on their visa applications about their ties to the People’s Liberation Army. The arrests, coupled with the closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston, which U.S. officials said served as a command-and-control node to direct spying operations, were intended to send a signal to Beijing. The figure was described as “startling” and has not been supported by any factual evidence. What the Juan Tong Case Revealed On July 19, 2021, defense attorneys for Dr. Juan Tang filed a Defendant's Trial Brief and Memorandum Supporting Dismissal at Trial . It included a section on "The FBI’s Deliberate Failure to Disclose Critical Exculpatory Evidence to the Court and to the Defense Warrants a Dismissal of this Ill-Conceived Indictment." "There is dissension in the FBI’s own ranks," the trial brief started. It cited that the government intentionally did not comply with the discovery order for the trial and highlighted that "... just days ago, a heavily redacted report dated for release four months ago, on April 1, 2021, which the government did not disclose to this Court when it ruled on Dr. Tang’s Motion to Dismiss." Exhibit A shows a FBI Background Note dated April 1, which includes a statement that investigations and expert interviews "suggest that the visa application form (DS-160) potentially lacks clarity when it comes to declaring one's military service or affiliation." Specifically, the highlighted response to the question “Is this obfuscation indicative of nefarious intent?” says: Investigations associated with these individuals as well as PLA experts interviewed in the cases cited above suggest that the visa application form (DS-160) potentially lacks clarity when it comes to declaring one’s military service or affiliation. China’s PLA is not a direct analog to how the US military services are set up, especially regarding the PLA’s Civilian Cadre. CTTAU assesses that while some intentional obfuscation is almost certainly being used by the PLA to gain entry into the US, there are grey areas where it is difficult for the FBI and DOS to determine whether obfuscation is intentional or for nefarious tech transfer purposes. Among the Civilian Cadre are a significant number of doctors and nurses and other professionals that at times are required to wear a military type uniform, but who would not necessarily consider themselves soldiers despite being considered as active duty. There are also contract civilians who work for the PLA, but are not considered active duty military. Within investigations it may also appear as if students and scholars from particular MCF-designated and PLA-affiliated universities and institutions are obfuscating their respective affiliations by not declaring military service despite having academic advisors who are PLA officers, but the FBI has an incomplete understanding of the full nature of this student/scholar to academic advisor relationship. What the Lei Guan Case Revealed A partially redacted draft FBI report appeared as part of an exhibit in a non-motion response filed in the case of Lei Guan on July 12, 2021. It is titled Fourth Military Medical University Interviews and Arrests Likely Had Minimal Impact in Mitigating Technology Transfer Threats from PRC Students dated March 19, 2021. The 28-page exhibit includes a draft white paper that provides assessments on seven cases under the "China Initiative," including the five that were dismissed. The draft paper states that targeting of the researcher and students "likely had minimal, short-term positive impact on the technology transfer threat from PRC students, scholars, and researchers." In addition, "[o]nly two of the arrests had a nexus to technology transfer violations, ... and none included charges related to other counterintelligence concerns." The operation "likely contributed to the deterioration of the FBI's delicate yet valuable relationship with some US universities by not exercising more caution before approaching PRC students." Although there was strong advice against investigating and arresting students and researchers with the operation, "several FBI field offices proceeded with visa fraud charges for individuals who met the criteria but did not meet the threshold for a high-priority technology transfer threat." "It is in the best national security interest of the FBI to strategically identify, target, and mitigate PRC technology transfer threats while also preserving educational opportunities in the United States for PRC students who do not pose a threat," said an unredacted portion of the FBI report. A footnote also stated that "the FBI does not consider clinical medicine an area of concern for PRC technology transfer." According to the exhibit, a FBI Supervisory Intelligence Analyst drafted the report as a response to a February 2021 award nomination. She was originally included as part of the award nomination but disagreed about the "high impact" the award's nomination claimed to have made. She did not think the arrest of the PLA students met the threshold for high impact at that time, as she assessed at an early stage the impact was minimal. The draft was a way for her to dispute the information contained in the awards packet. She removed herself from the award nomination. Jump to: Overview Non-Armed Uniformed Services in the US “Startling” Claim by Assistant Attorney General John Demers What the Juan Tang Case Revealed What the Lei Guan Case Revealed The abrupt dismissal of visa fraud and other charges against five scientists from China in five separate “China Initiative” cases and the FBI reports from the discovery process exposed the weaknesses of the prosecutions, dissension in the FBI’s own ranks, and exaggerated claims of national security risks by the government. Previous Next 8. Five Visa Fraud Cases Dismissed

Newsletter - #308 2/3 Monthly Meeting; Lunar New Year; Funding Freeze Chaos; KU Faculty Supports Tao + #308 2/3 Monthly Meeting; Lunar New Year; Funding Freeze Chaos; KU Faculty Supports Tao + In This Issue #308 · 2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · CAPAC Chair Meng Introduces Legislation to Commemorate Lunar New Year · Trump Administration Rescinds Federal Funding Freeze Memo After Chaos · KU Faculty Letters of Support for Franklin Tao's Reinstatement · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, February 3, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Kai Li 李凯 , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are: · Gary Locke 骆家辉 , Chair, Committee of 100; former U.S. Ambassador to China; former U/S. Secretary of Commerce; former Governor of the State of Washington · Julia Chang Bloch 張之香 , Founder and Executive Chair, US-China Education Trust; former U.S. Ambassador · Bethany Li , Executive Director, Asian American Legal Defense Education Fund (AALDEF) · Scott Chang , Senior Counsel, National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) 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 . CAPAC Chair Meng Introduces Legislation to Commemorate Lunar New Year According to a press release by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of CAPAC, reintroduced a legislative package to commemorate Lunar New Year.Congresswoman Meng's legislative package includes the Lunar New Year Day Act which would establish Lunar New Year as the 12th federal holiday recognized across the United States. It also includes a resolution that recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year. On January 29, 2025 - New Year Day of the Year of Snake - CAPAC posted a video on X in which 16 CAPAC members from Hawaii to New York, led by Congresswoman Meng, talked about their favorite Lunar New Year traditions and celebrations. Watch the video: https://bit.ly/40CJbzt (3:03).***** WHAT : DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade WHEN: February 2, 2025, 2:00 pm ET WHERE: Chinatown, Washington DC HOST: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs DESCRIPTION: In the lunar calendar, it will be the year 4723! The streets of DC’s Chinatown will be filled with revelers and spectators as we celebrate the Year of the Snake. In Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic, and intelligent. People born as Snakes are mysterious, smart, wise, charming, good at talking, determined, and caring. They value knowledge, work hard to achieve goals, and form deep bonds in relationships. FOR MORE INFORATION: www.dcparade.com Trump Administration Rescinds Federal Funding Freeze Memo After Chaos Multiple media reports on January 29, 2025, confirmed that President Donald Trump rescinded a memo from acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Matthew Vaeth freezing spending on federal loans and grants, less than two days after it led to chaos and widespread confusion and legal challenges across the country. Issued on January 27, the memo alarmed states, schools, and organizations dependent on federal funds. The vague directive left nonprofits, small businesses, universities, and other entities scrambling to assess its impact, while congressional offices were inundated with concerns from constituents fearing financial losses. In addition to creating confusion, the memo sparked numerous lawsuits , including from a coalition of nonprofits and Democratic state attorneys general. By January 28, Medicaid, education, and housing funds had been affected. That evening, a federal district judge temporarily blocked the order, adding to the turmoil in Washington and beyond.On January 29, Rep. Grace Meng , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), condemned the freeze as appalling and unlawful. She warned it would harm all Americans, including AANHPI communities, by undermining critical programs such as nutrition aid, small business support, clean water initiatives, education, and public safety. Meng stressed that federal aid is a necessity and urged Trump to restore the funds immediately, emphasizing that millions of Americans rely on them.According to Inside Higher Ed , although the Trump administration walked back its plan to freeze trillions in federal grants and loans, a review of thousands of federal programs continues, along with a pause on grant reviews at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The White House is still moving forward with plans to stop funding programs that are at odds with the president’s executive orders. As part of the review, agencies will have to answer a series of questions for each program, including whether the programs fund DEI, support “illegal aliens” or promote “gender ideology.” The disruption to federal research funding has set university researchers and scientists on edge, and the grant reviews are still on hold. Given the stakes, this issue is far from settled. The rescission is far from ending the chaos.2025/01/29 CAPAC: Statement from CAPAC Chair Meng on the Trump Administration’s Decision to Freeze Federal Financial Assistance 2025/01/29 The Hill : White House budget office rescinds federal funding freeze memo 2025/01/29 CBS News : Trump administration rescinds federal funding freeze memo after chaos 2025/01/29 Newsweek : Trump Administration Freeze on Federal Grants Ended, Questions Remain 2025/01/29 BBC News : White House rescinds memo on freezing federal grants and loans 2025/01/29 AP News : Trump White House rescinds memo freezing federal money after widespread confusion 2025/01/29 CNBC : White House says Trump funding freeze remains in effect despite rescinding OMB memo 2025/01/29 Inside Higher Ed : NSF and NIH Grant Reviews Still On Hold After White House Rescinds Memo 2025/01/28 Washington Post : Federal judge blocks Trump federal spending freeze after a day of chaos KU Faculty Letters of Support for Franklin Tao's Reinstatement According to the University Daily Kansan on January 27, 2025, faculty members at the University of Kansas (KU) have been actively advocating for the reinstatement of Dr. Feng "Franklin" Tao , a tenured professor who was dismissed following federal charges in 2019. Despite the eventual overturning of all of his charges, KU has not reinstated Dr. Tao, prompting faculty to write letters of support emphasizing his contributions to the university and the importance of upholding academic freedom and justice. The KU Asian and Asian American faculty staff council sent a letter in August to Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer urging for the reinstatement of Tao.KU’s Faculty Senate sent its own letter to the Provost in December after learning of the Asian and Asian-American Faculty Staff Council’s letter.According to Huazhen Fang , Executive Leadership Team Member of the Asian and Asian American Faculty Staff Council, the Council has received no response from university administration. Faculty Senate President Sam Brody said the Faculty Senate did not receive a response to its letter, either.The KU Asian and Asian American Faculty Staff Council argue in its letter that “it would set a dangerous and unjust precedent for a tenured professor, like Dr. Tao, to be removed from his position as a result of failed prosecution.” It questions whether he received due process from the University before being fired. The Council asserts that Tao was targeted as part of a larger campaign against Asians and Asian Americans, comparing Trump’s China Initiative, which was meant to target Chinese espionage, to McCarthyism. The letter states that Asian American academics, students and staff will continue to live in fear of being targeted because of stigma and discrimination unless something changes.The Faculty Senate’s letter echoes the claims of the Asian and Asian-American Faculty Staff Council, stating that KU should “provide a welcoming and safe environment for faculty and staff of all backgrounds.” It also asserts the importance of academic freedom and safety from “frivolous or politically-motivated prosecutions.”Read the University Daily Kansan report: https://bit.ly/4jzy2It National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable Capstone On January 28, 2025, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released the proceedings of the Capstone Workshop of the National Academies’ National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable (NSTSR). NSTSR was established by the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to address critical issues surrounding U.S. national and economic security while promoting the open exchange of ideas and international talent.According to the NASEM report, U.S. values such as openness and scientific rigor were highlighted as key strengths in research. While international collaboration is essential for advancing research, participants stressed the importance of being mindful of differing values regarding transparency, reciprocity, and accountability when working with other nations. Even trusted allies may have different security and openness policies, prompting some to challenge the assumption of mutual trust in scientific collaborations. Caution was advised in engaging with international partners where these values are not shared.Participants advocated for an "all-of-system" approach to strengthen U.S. national security and science leadership, calling for harmonized research security policies across federal agencies and clearer guidelines for international collaborations. They emphasized the importance of fostering relationships between the research community, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies to enable informed, case-by-case security decisions, with experts supporting these efforts.A flexible, risk-based strategy was recommended to balance openness in research with protecting sensitive work. This approach would evaluate risks and benefits based on the personnel and research topics involved, with institutions tailoring their risk management strategies. Federal agencies were urged to identify and categorize sensitive information carefully to ensure appropriate handling.Many participants stressed that maintaining U.S. national security requires not just protective measures but also significant investment in open, fundamental scientific research. They argued that the U.S. can stay competitive in the global Science and Technology (S&T) race by increasing investments, particularly in talent development and building a workforce capable of supporting the nation's scientific and technological needs. Participants proposed next steps for research security, including developing a comprehensive S&T strategy, boosting STEM education, and improving talent recruitment. They stressed educating the public on the importance of S&T to national security and cautioned against focusing solely on threats from China, noting challenges from other countries. Collaboration with international allies and careful vetting were also emphasized.There was a call to avoid inconsistent application of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) restrictions and to better understand foreign interference in research. Ongoing dialogue among academia, government, and industry was seen as crucial for addressing research security risks.Read Proceedings of the Capstone Workshop and National Science, Technology, and Security website . News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/01/31 2025 Asian American Stories Video Contest: My Gift to America2025/02/02 DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade2025/02/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2023/02/03 Getting China Right: Launch of ACF Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/02/23 World Premier of "Quixotic Professor Qiu" with Xiaoxing Xi2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. World Premier of "Quixotic Professor Qiu" "Quixotic Professor Qiu," a thought-provoking satirical play, will debut on January 31, 2025, at The Drake, 302 S. Hicks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Written by Damon Chua and directed by Chongren Fan , the production will run through February 23, 2025.Inspired by real-life incidents involving Chinese American scientists accused of economic espionage, the play tells the story of a fictional math professor entangled in a web of suspicion from the FBI and his university colleagues. At the same time, he struggles to maintain a fragile relationship with a childhood friend in China. As tensions rise, Professor Qiu is forced to choose between his birth country and adopted land, between loyalty and self-preservation.Following the 2 pm matinee on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Producing Artistic Director Seth Rozin will host a moderated conversation with Professor Xiaoxing Xi , diving into the play’s themes. Please note that speaker hosts and guests are subject to change. Contact the Box Office at 215-568-8079 ahead for updates.For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4h7OBtp # # # 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 January 31, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #297 12/11 Webinar - Ted Lieu; Gene Wu; Andy Kim; New CAPAC Leadership; AAJC #297 12/11 Webinar - Ted Lieu; Gene Wu; Andy Kim; New CAPAC Leadership; AAJC In This Issue #297 · Ted Lieu to Deliver Remarks at Tomorrow's Land Ownership Webinar · Gene Wu Elected Chair of Texas Democratic Caucus · Andy Kim Sworn in as U.S. Senator for New Jersey · CAPAC Elected New Leadership · AAJC Calls for Sign-on to Open Letter on Select Committee on CCP · News and Activities for the Communities Ted Lieu to Deliver Remarks at Tomorrow's Land Ownership Webinar U.S. Representative Ted W. Lieu 刘云平 will deliver the opening remarks at the webinar co-hosted by the Committee of 100 and APA Justice titled " The Impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities " on December 11, 2024. On November 19, 2024, Rep. Lieu was reelected as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, the fourth-highest position in House Democratic leadership. Lieu is a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired from the Reserve with the rank of Colonel. As a legislator, Lieu has established himself as a leader on artificial intelligence; the environment; cybersecurity; civil liberties; foreign affairs and veterans. As the highest-ranking Asian American in Congress, Lieu continues to champion policies promoting equity, justice, and inclusion.Register to attend the webinar today: https://bit.ly/3CEWK9p WHAT : From Past Prejudice to Present Policy: The Impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities WHEN: December 11, 2024, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm ET WHERE: Webinar WHAT: Historically discriminatory policies are reemerging in state legislatures across the U.S. Originally designed to prevent non-citizens, particularly those from AAPI communities, from owning property, these laws are now being reframed as safeguards to national security. This webinar will discuss whether these laws properly address national security concerns or whether they are merely a pretext that infringes upon civil rights and liberties under the guise of protection. A panel of legal experts and advocates will delve into the history of alien land laws, examine their renewed impact on vulnerable communities and discuss key cases, including a bill recently introduced in Florida. This event is essential for anyone committed to upholding justice and equity in America. To learn more about current land ownership exclusion legislations, visit Committee of 100’s interactive map , which details specific bills, status, and text. Also, visit APA Justice Alien Land Bills webpage for the latest developments on current lawsuits challenging these laws and more. HOSTS: Committee of 100, APA Justice Moderator: Cindy Tsai , Interim President, Committee of 100 Opening Remarks: Ted Lieu, U.S. Representative (CA-36), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Speakers: · Edgar Chen , Special Policy Advisor, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) · Ashley Gorski , Senior Staff Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) · Gene Wu , Chair of Texas House Democratic Caucus Closing Remarks: Jeremy Wu , Founder and Co-Organizer, APA Justice; Member, Committee of 100 REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3CEWK9p Gene Wu Elected Chair of Texas Democratic Caucus On December 4, 2024, the Texas House Democratic Caucus (HDC) elected Rep. Gene Wu (吴元之) as their new chair. Gene Wu has been representing District 137 in the Texas House of Representatives since 2013. He is known for his support of immigration, family and minority groups including Asians and Pacific Islanders, Blacks, and Hispanics. Rep. Gene Wu was the first legislator who brought the alien land laws to the attention of the public nationwide. He will speak at the webinar on " The impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities " on December 11, 2024. A dedicated advocate for the Asian Pacific American community in Texas and across the nation, Gene Wu regularly holds town hall meetings and travels nationwide, urging the community to confront the rising threat of anti-Asian legislation at both the state and federal levels. His 26-slide presentation offers a concise overview of the historical anti-Asian issue in the U.S., tracing its roots from the founding of the United States to the "China Week" in the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2024. He also presented this issue during his town hall meeting on September 29, 2024: https://bit.ly/3XN7Ujm (49:37). · Texas Tribune: Houston Rep. Gene Wu to lead Texas House Democrats through GOP-dominated legislative session · Houston Chronicle: Houston Rep. Gene Wu chosen as next Democratic leader in Texas House · Houston Public Media: Houston Rep. Gene Wu elected Chair of Texas House Democratic Caucus · Chron: Houston’s Gene Wu elected Texas House Democratic leader in surprise move Andy Kim Sworn in as U.S. Senator for New Jersey On December 8, 2024, Senator-elect Andy Kim was appointed to the United States Senate by Governor Phil Murphy , allowing him to assume office ahead of his elected term beginning on January 3, 2025. The appointment followed Kim’s certification by the Board of State Canvassers as the winner of the Senate race to succeed Bob Menendez . Kim was sworn in on Monday, December 9, 2024, becoming New Jersey’s newest senator.In a brief speech on the Senate floor, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) welcomed Kim, who he called “one of the most respected and admired members of the House Democratic caucus, where his talent was only matched by his decency.” “Today, I am appointing Senator-elect Andy Kim to the United States Senate so he can begin his term in office before the new year begins,” Murphy said in an official statement. “Taking this step will allow Senator Kim to embark on the smoothest possible transition into his new role so he can hit the ground running serving the people of New Jersey,” Murphy said. Senator Kim expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “It’s an honor to get to represent the state that gave my family a chance at the American Dream in the U.S. Senate. It’s a dream that remains out of reach for too many of our neighbors, and one that I’m ready on day one to fight for. I want to thank Governor Murphy and Senator [George] Helmy for ensuring that New Jersey was well represented during this transition, and look forward to getting to work for the people.” On November 18, 2024, Senator-elect Kim addressed the APA Justice monthly meeting. He expressed gratitude to APA Justice for its efforts in addressing anti-Asian hate and discrimination and highlighted the challenges of creating a secure and inclusive environment for all, referencing his personal concerns for his children and elderly parents. Kim emphasized the importance of building coalitions to combat hate and discrimination in all forms, including policies like the China Initiative, which he described as fear-mongering. He pledged to continue fighting these issues in his role as a U.S. Senator and called on others to join him in these efforts. A summary of the November 18 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Read the New Jersey Monitor report : https://bit.ly/3ZJDxfD and Governor Murphy's statement: https://bit.ly/4g6niz0 . CAPAC Elected New Leadership On December 4, 2024, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced its leadership for the 119th Congress. Rep. Judy Chu ( 赵美心 , CA-28) transitions to Chair Emeritus. The newly elected leadership includes · Rep. Grace Meng ( 孟昭文 , NY-06), Chair · Rep. Mark Takano ( 高野马克 , CA-39), First Vice-Chair · Rep. Jill Tokuda ( 德田吉尔 , HI-02), Second Vice-Chair · Rep. Ami Bera , M.D. (CA-06), Whip · Rep.-elect Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Freshman Representative APA Justice and other organizations issued statements reacting positively about the new leadership. · CAPAC Announces Newly Elected Leadership for the 119th Congress · APA Justice Applauds New CAPAC Leadership · APAICS Applauds Congresswoman Grace Meng’s Election as CAPAC Chair · NBC News: Rep. Grace Meng to lead congressional Asian caucus, replacing longtime chair Judy Chu · AsAm News: Grace Meng will lead congressional Asian caucus AAJC Calls for Sign-on to Open Letter on Select Committee on CCP Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is preparing to send an open letter to House leadership, opposing the reauthorization of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee). This letter is born out of concern that the harmful and targeted policies supported by the Select Committee—including the revival of the DOJ’s China Initiative as well as various iterations of land laws— will only continue to ratchet up anti-Asian sentiment in the 119th Congress.To read the open letter and sign on, interested organizations are asked to complete this form: https://bit.ly/4950dKv News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/12/10 National Immigration Inclusion Conference 2024/12/11 Webinar on Alien Land Laws2024/12/22 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/01/05 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/01/19 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall 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 APA Justice website at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . As part of its continuing migration to a new website under construction, we have moved the Newsletter webpage to www.apajusticetaskforce.org/newsletters . We value your feedback about the new web page. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF December 10, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter