Policy and litigation updates from Advancing Justice — AAJC

Policy and litigation updates from Advancing Justice - AAJC
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Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

As the month of June came to an end, we enter July with pride and fulfillment as we witnessed the Unity March take place, marking the first-ever Asian American-led march of this scale. The historic event brought together thousands of Asians, Asian Americans, and allies both virtually and in person to the National Mall in Washington, DC on June 25 to demand socioeconomic and cultural equity, racial justice, and solidarity for our communities. We express deep gratitude toward all of our speakers, community members, and allies who supported this historic moment to rise in unity against white supremacy and violence as we rebuild a future that values and protects the civil and human rights of all Americans.

These celebrations of unity and inclusion were clouded, however, by the reversal of Roe v. Wade less than 24 hours before the event. In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade through its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, declaring that the constitutional right to abortion, upheld for nearly a half-century ([link removed]) , no longer exists. We are enraged by the decision that is likely to roll back abortion rights in at least 22 states.

This decision signals the overturning of decades of established precedent, eroding basic human rights for millions of Americans and endangering many other civil liberties we take for granted. Eri Andriola, Staff Attorney for Litigation at Advancing Justice - AAJC says, “The rolling back of reproductive rights by banning access to abortion care jeopardizes the well-being and financial stability for millions of Asian American individuals and families. The road back to protecting our rights is long, but we are prepared for the fight.”

We also recognize President Biden’s signing of the historic legislation providing pathway to the first National Museum for Asian Pacific American History and Culture. As our nation endures the senseless attacks and hate rooted in systemic racism that continues to harm all communities of color, establishing a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture helps ensure that the histories and knowledge of our communities are recognized. Our President and Executive Director John C. Yang said in a statement ([link removed]) , “This sends a powerful signal to our nation that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are just as much part of America like every other community."

The recent violent attacks that have stolen lives in Latino, Black, Korean, and Taiwanese communities have re-emphasized the need for action and unity. Hate impacts us all. We stand in solidarity with those who are mourning these senseless acts. Each of these events has served as a pivotal turning point in history that awakened a reckoning and a mass mobilization of millions across the country. As long as the rights of Asian Americans and allied communities are under attack, Advancing Justice - AAJC will continue to fight for a safer, more equitable world for all.

Keep scrolling to read more about these Advancing Justice - AAJC initiatives and more.
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EVENTS

Weren't able to make it to the Unity March? Watch the full live stream recording of the event here ([link removed]) and the Opening ([link removed]) , Rights ([link removed]) , and Representation ([link removed]) videos played during the Unity March program. A special thanks to Kontent Films for producing the program videos in the Unity March!

Now that you've marched with and supported thousands of allies to call for change, it's time to take action. Take the Unity Pledge today ([link removed]) .

Together with Right To Be, we have trained over 100,000 people through our joint trainings to combat anti-Asian hate! Join the next training:

Bystander Intervention Training
* July ([link removed]) 19 ([link removed]) - simultaneous translation in Hindi

How to Respond to Anti-Asian Harassment
* July 25 ([link removed])

Check back here ([link removed]) for more upcoming free public trainings!
ADVANCING JUSTICE - AAJC IN THE NEWS

In a blog for AP News ([link removed]) , Senior Director of Census and Voting Programs Terry Ao Minnis emphasizes the steps that the federal government is taking toward revising racial and ethnic classifications in an effort to establish more accurate categories for how people identify themselves in federal data gathering.

"
Aggregated data points in health, education, and other issues perpetuate the persistent and pernicious myth that all Asian Americans are affluent and well-educated — by not allowing for a deeper dive into the differences within subgroups,” Minnis said.

In a new piece for Northwest Asian Weekly ([link removed]) , our President and Executive Director John C. Yang comments on the amicus brief Advancing Justice - AAJC filed with NAPAWF in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"Given that Asian Americans are among the fastest-growing populations nationwide with nearly two-thirds of the population being foreign-born, we have grave concerns about the impact this decision will have on our communities. We will need to come together to find a way to support our communities while we explore every course of action to reclaim this fundamental human right.”

In an article for NBC4 Washington ([link removed]) , our President and Executive Director John C. Yang spoke about the string of attacks against Asian Americans throughout this past year in cities across the country. He acknowledged that many of the assailants have been people of color, and prioritizes a focus on the root causes of the attacks and coalition building, rather than punitive action or demonizing people.

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Advocacy and Policy Updates
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Thousands Attend Asian American-Led Unity March to Demand Action on Social, Civic and Economic Justice

Thank you for joining us on the National Mall and virtually for the Unity March this past Saturday, the first-ever Asian American-led march and multicultural event to advance socioeconomic and cultural equity, racial justice, and solidarity.

Led by Unity March, thousands of Asians, Asian Americans and their allies gathered on the National Mall today demanding our nation’s elected officials and corporate entities to take necessary and overdue steps to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our communities.

Advancing Justice - AAJC expresses our deepest gratitude to our co-organizers for this event APIAVote, APALA, Gold House, Indian American Impact Project, NAKASEC, National ACE, NCAPA, OCA National, and SALDEF for their work and support in organizing this multicultural mobilization.

Thank you for bringing your united voice on June 25 to demand full rights and representation for Asian American and allied communities. Together, we will continue to tell our story of pan-racial power, unity, and resilience.

We thank all of our speakers, community members, and allies who hailed from around the country for this historic moment to rise in unity against white supremacy and violence as we rebuild a future that values and protects the civil and human rights of all of us.

You've marched with thousands of allies to call for change. Now, it's time to take action. Take the ** Unity Pledge ([link removed])
today to make a commitment to vote, get connected, and get educated.

You can also visit the ** Unity March website ([link removed])
and follow us on social media ** Twitter ([link removed])
/** Instagram ([link removed])
/** Facebook ([link removed])
for updates and recaps of the event.

Roe v. Wade Overturned in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s
Health Organization

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade through its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The decision will now allow individual states to ban or end the legal right to abortion.

Abortion is a fundamental human right; in fact, 85% of AAPI women support abortion access. View our ** community briefing ([link removed])
with the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) where we discuss the impact of the ruling and the path forward in the fight for reproductive justice.

Read our full statement on this devastating ruling ** here ([link removed])
.

President Biden Signs AAPI Museum Bill

On June 14, President Biden signed into law the establishment of a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture.

Advancing Justice - AAJC applauds the signing of the historic legislation which serves as a crucial step towards public recognition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and culture.

The bill was originally introduced by Rep Grace Meng (D-NY) in 2015 and passed both houses of Congress unanimously this year. It is through education that we can begin to develop a greater understanding of the diverse communities that comprise American society.

Read our full statement on this historic announcement ** here ([link removed])
.
10-Year Anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) Program

Ten years after President Obama announced a new program for undocumented youth, we still have no permanent solution for DACA recipients and other members of our immigrant communities without access to status. Read our former Manager of Immigration Advocacy Daishi Miguel Tanaka's reflections on what having DACA means to him ** here ([link removed])
.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The future of DACA impacts all immigrant communities, including the undocumented API community. Most Americans support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, but Congress has still failed to act.

Call your representatives today and demand that they bring long-awaited relief by creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and include DACA recipients, TPS holders, farm workers, and other essential workers in the budget reconciliation: (202) 224-3121.
Celebrating 40 Years of Plyler v. Doe

40 years ago, all nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices agreed in Plyler v. Doe that keeping kids out of school is bad public policy. Since the 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling, all children have been able to attend K‐12 public school without the fear that their immigration status will deny them a basic education.

We honor the legacy of Plyler v. Doe, a landmark civil rights case for Latino and immigrant communities, and the tireless advocacy from local and national leaders that led to crucial protections for all children.

Learn more about the lawyers and leaders behind ** MALDEF - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund ([link removed])
's landmark case ** here ([link removed])
.
Wholestory Education (WE) Campaign

In February, Advancing Justice - AAJC launched the Wholestory Education (WE) Campaign in response to increasing nationwide attacks on our ability to learn history truthfully and have honest discussions about diversity, racism, and sexism.

Through the ** Wholestory Education (WE) Campaign ([link removed])
, Advancing Justice - AAJC provides free resources and events for individuals and organizations to begin, supplement, or further advocacy efforts in their communities to encourage more comprehensive, honest, and empowering education. Did you miss our community partner convening? Watch presentations on the controversy surrounding Critical Race Theory and successful advocacy efforts to pass Asian American history curriculum requirements ** here ([link removed])
.

Visit our ** WE Campaign page ([link removed])
to learn more, access free resources, and contact our team.

On-going Resources

* "Be a Super Ally with the 5Ds" is a new 5Ds-for-kids video series was made in partnership with Advancing Justice - AAJC, Right To Be, and Woori Show. The videos were produced for kids ages 3 to 10 with the support of experts in language, culture, early childhood education, and child psychology. Watch the videos ** here ([link removed])
.

* The ** Anti-Racial Profiling Project ([link removed])
offers resources and legal referrals for those impacted by the U.S. government’s increased efforts to target and profile Asian American and Asian immigrant scientists and researchers, particularly of Chinese descent. If you believe you are being racially targeted by the government and you are looking for attorney referrals, please contact 202-935-6014 using the Signal app and a staff member will reach out to you directly with support available in English and Mandarin/普通话.

* Our community engagement team is working with community partners to develop state-specific and national anti-hate resources for the AAPI community. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to access, share, and add to the ** crowd-sourced document ([link removed])
.

Blog Highlights
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** Turning the Pages of History: The Pathway for the First National Asian Pacific American Museum and What It Means for Our Communities ([link removed])

Our Communications Intern Chrissy Park writes about the significance of this momentous legislation among continued efforts to fight against the erasure and misrepresentation of AANHPI history.

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** Are You Eligible? Lower Your Internet Costs Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ([link removed])

The new Affordable Connectivity Program is administered by the FCC and provides subsidized broadband access to qualifying individuals and households. Learn more about the program and eligibility!
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** 40 Years after the Murder of Vincent Chin, We Honor Our Community's Resilience in the Face of Hate ([link removed])

After 40 years since Vincent Chin's death, we look back at how it marked a turning point for the Asian American Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for the political advocacy we see today.

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** 45 Best AAPI Films, Television, and Literature for Representation ([link removed])

In commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, Advancing Justice - AAJC reached out to members from our community to compile a collection of some of our favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander films, series, and books.
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** AAPI Educational Content Guide for Kids ([link removed])

Advancing Justice - AAJC compiled a list of educational content for little (and big) readers to read, watch, listen, and learn about the stories and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

** Read more of our blogs! ([link removed])
Take Action With Us

Advancing Justice - AAJC and Right To Be Workshops

We continue to host trainings with Right To Be and have now trained over 100,000 people to safely intervene as a bystander to stop non-violent incidents of anti-Asian hate since the beginning of our partnership in April 2020.

The Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation is proud to provide in-language Bystander Intervention Trainings for limited English proficient members of our community. We are hosting sessions with simultaneous translations in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. ** Learn more and sign up ([link removed])
.

Bystander Intervention Training
* Learn about the basics of intervention and the spectrum of disrespect experienced by Asians/Asian Americans. Then, put what you have learned into practice. ** Register Here ([link removed])

Conflict De-Escalation Training (Bystander Intervention 2.0)
* Take your intervention skills a step further by using patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen to directly de-escalate conflict with a harasser. ** Register Here ([link removed])

Workshop for People Experiencing Anti-Asian/American Harassment
* This training is for Asians and Asian Americans to learn how to trust their instincts, reclaim their space, and practice resilience following an act of hate. ** Register Here ([link removed])

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Report Anti-Asian Hate, Harassment, and Violence

By sharing what you experienced or witnessed, you can educate the public, empower others, show service providers where help is needed, and strengthen advocacy efforts for hate crimes response and prevention. We know that sharing these experiences can be painful, which is why we are so grateful for the brave individuals who continue to trust us with their testimonials.

** Stand Against Hatred ([link removed])
was created by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation in January 2017 to capture information about the increase in hate we observed in the months before and following the 2016 election. Since COVID-19 began, however, we have received many new testimonials of anti-Asian/Asian American incidents of hate and harassment.

If you or someone you know would like to share your experience, please visit ** StandAgainstHatred.org ([link removed])
today.

Asian American Education Project Teacher Workshops

Asian American and Pacific Islander history is American history but is often left out of curriculums in K-12 schools. ** The Asian American Education Project ([link removed])
, fiscally sponsored by Advancing Justice - AAJC, launched a series of free workshops for K-12 teachers designed to promote the inclusion of historically and culturally competent curriculum about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) nationwide.

In this series of virtual K-12 Asian American Curriculum Teacher Training Workshops, The Asian American Education Project showcases curriculum on the AAPI experience. It is divided into themes to make it easier for educators to adapt the entire or part of the curriculum into their own practice.

Learn more and sign up for an upcoming workshop ** here ([link removed])
.
Meet Our New Interns and Fellows

Laurie Chan | Community Engagement Intern

Laurie is pursuing her B.A. in Sociology at McGill University and received her International Baccalaureate from UWC Atlantic College in Wales, UK. A fun fact about Laurie is that she shaved off all of her hair in 2018 while fundraising for the National Eating Disorders Association.

Grace Park | Harvard Kennedy School Summer Democracy Fellow
Grace is a former United States Army Captain and is a second-year Masters in Public Policy candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Fun facts about Grace are that they have been to all contiguous U.S. states, except for North Dakota. And, have given a speech in front of Oprah!

Sara Taketatsu | 2022-2023 Weil Legal Innovators Special Projects Fellow

Sarah graduated cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Environmental Design and is part of the Harvard Law class of 2026. An event that recently empowered her was being a first-time campaign manager and successfully getting an architect elected to a local city council.

Angela Chung | Telecommunications, Technology, and Media Intern
Angela is a rising senior at Duke University pursuing a major in International Comparative Studies and is passionate about shifting the power dynamics between digital platforms and people. In her free time, Angela enjoys watching true crime shows or reading with a Philz mint mojito coffee.

Ryan Lee | Anti-Racial Profiling Project Intern

Ryan is pursuing her B.A. in Music at the University of Virginia with a concentration in Performance and Foreign Affairs. Ryan is returning to Advancing Justice - AAJC as our Anti-Racial Profiling Project Intern. She has previously served as a development committee member at the University of Virginia. A movie that Ryan recently enjoyed is Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Chrissy Park | Communications Intern
Chrissy is a student at the University of California, Irvine, where she is majoring in English and Literary Journalism. Chrissy loves baking, going to the beach, and reading Asian American literature such as Interior Chinatown.

Nusrath Naurin | Communications Intern

Nusrath is a third-year student at the University of Georgia studying International Affairs with a minor in Law and Jurisprudence. Prior to joining Advancing Justice - AAJC, Nusrath held campus leadership positions and served as a student assistant for the Dean's Office in the College of Journalism. Something that has been excited about is seeing the first Muslim-American woman play a Marvel character in Ms. Marvel on Disney+.

Emma Ann Taverner | FirstGen Fellow
Emma Ann attends John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she studies Law and Society and is an Associate Board Member with the New York Birth Control Access Project. A fun fact about Emma Ann is that a bucket list goal of hers this summer is to get back into reading.
Join Our Team
We are looking to immediately hire full-time:
* ** Assistant Director, Litigation ([link removed])
* ** Associate Manager, Donor Engagement ([link removed])
* ** Manager, Immigration Advocacy ([link removed])
* ** Manager, ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
** Census and Civic Engagement ("Manager") ([link removed])
* ** Anti-Hate Communications Coordinator (Two-Year Fellowship) ([link removed])

** ([link removed])
See all our open positions and learn how to apply ** here ([link removed])
.
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