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  • SENATOR HIRONO ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION FOR HEALTH EQUITY

    OCTOBER 8, 2020 PRESS RELEASE SENATOR HIRONO ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION FOR HEALTH EQUITY OCTOBER 8, 2020 HEAA will eliminate health disparities in the U.S. health care system WASHINGTON — Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum congratulate Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (HI) for announcing the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). This bill is a roadmap for eliminating health and health care disparities by building on previous successful strategies, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “For almost a decade, APIAHF has supported HEAA as a comprehensive blueprint to increase health equity for everyone,” said Juliet K. Choi, executive vice president of APIAHF. “We congratulate Sen. Hirono for leading the Senate with HEAA to ensure that everyone has access to quality health care. Affordable, accessible health care is increasingly important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, which disproportionately affects communities of color.” Achieving health equity requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the varying and layered factor affecting health access and health outcomes — immigration status, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language and socio-economic status. HEAA is a comprehensive plan to tackle these factors in every part of the U.S. health care system, including making health insurance coverage more affordable, promoting investments in innovative health delivery methods and technologies, and advancing research and data collection about the health needs and outcomes of diverse communities. Individual sections of HEAA have already gone into effect, including reimbursement for language services under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), enhanced data collection requirements in federal health surveys and elevation of the Office of Minority Health to the Office of the Secretary of HHS in the ACA. The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2020 by Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4) with support from the Congressional Tri-Caucus and 230 local, state and national organizations including APIAHF. # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S DAY ONE EXECUTIVE ORDERS

    JANUARY 21, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S DAY ONE EXECUTIVE ORDERS JANUARY 21, 2025 WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. On his first day in office, he issued a series of executive orders affecting critical issues, including health care, birthright citizenship, immigration, reproductive access, diversity and equity, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, among others – some contravening long-standing issues of law. Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum gave the following statement: “We are deeply disturbed by the sweeping actions President Trump has taken on his first day in office to eliminate and erode the constitutional rights of Americans. Despite distancing and disavowing some of the policies outlined in Project 2025 during his 2024 campaign, President Trump has swiftly moved to implement many of them through these executive orders. “This is not the direction that the American people voted for, and we have grave concerns about the immediate and lasting harm that these actions will inflict on families and communities across the country. The Asian & Pacific Islander Health Forum stands firm in our commitment to protecting and defending the rights of our community and health access for all.” # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF APPLAUDS OMB REVISIONS TO DIRECTIVE 15 FOR ACCURATE, INCLUSIVE FEDERAL DATA STANDARDS

    MARCH 28, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS OMB REVISIONS TO DIRECTIVE 15 FOR ACCURATE, INCLUSIVE FEDERAL DATA STANDARDS MARCH 28, 2024 WASHINGTON —Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity. The revised standards modernize the collection of race and ethnicity data and improve how federal agencies analyze and publish that data. Directive 15 was last updated in 1997 to create separate “Asian” and “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and expand “Hispanic” to include “Hispanic or Latino.” APIAHF President & CEO Juliet K. Choi released the following statement: “APIAHF is proud to have advocated for revised standards, including submitting comments with over 40 national, state, and local partners through the regulatory process, that would reflect the communities that span our great nation. The updated Directive 15 is the culmination of work across all communities and between federal agencies toward data equity in the U.S. “In particular, we applaud including the new Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category. We know first-hand the importance of communities being seen and represented, and this new designation will mean critical resources, including in-language, can be delivered to MENA communities. We also applaud OMB’s commitment to revising these standards and establishing a regular review ahead of each decennial census. “We look to OMB’s continued commitment to build upon this great work by requiring all federal departments and agencies to collect, analyze, use, report, and disseminate disaggregated data on communities as the minimum standards. Accurate, inclusive data is core to the work that we can achieve and has a meaningful impact on how resources are allocated. We look forward to continuing collaboration with OMB as they work to implement these new revisions.” # # # BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • GET INVOLVED: BLC | APIAHF

    Your membership to APIAHF’s Business Leadership Circle is a high-impact and visible way to visibly demonstrate your commitment to improving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) health. APIAHF will help your company to engage with the fastest growing demographic in the United States. APIAHF is looking to build strategic partnerships with businesses and corporations that share our vision of investing in healthy and vibrant communities. BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE — Your membership to APIAHF’s Business Leadership Circle is a high-impact and visible way to visibly demonstrate your commitment to improving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) health. APIAHF will help your company to engage with the fastest growing demographic in the United States. APIAHF is looking to build strategic partnerships with businesses and corporations that share our vision of investing in healthy and vibrant communities. We will work with you to co-create strategies that highlight your company’s commitment to improving AA and NHPI health equity through any combination of the following: EVENT SPONSORSHIP – PROGRAMMATIC INVESTMENTS – PROJECT DONATIONS – GRANTS AND AWARDS PROGRAMS – RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS BENEFITS OF BLC MEMBERSHIP Being a part of APIAHF Business Leadership Circle has numerous benefits that include, but are not limited to: Tailored analysis of ways that your company can engage with AA and NHPI populations throughout the country Opportunities to demonstrate your company’s leadership and commitment to diversity and health equity through our events and outreach to our national network Engage in networking and programmatic opportunities with top public health, philanthropic, and community leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, DC, and other program areas across the country. Regular updates and insights on emergent issues that affect health equity and policies for diverse communities GET INVOLVED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE — TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE CONTACT development@apiahf.org

  • APIAHF CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LANDMARK LAW TO LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS

    AUGUST 16, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LANDMARK LAW TO LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS AUGUST 16, 2024 WASHINGTON —One year ago today, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. The groundbreaking law strengthened Affordable Care Act protections, lowered health care costs, extended Marketplace affordability, and improved access to affordable prescription drugs for millions of Americans on Medicare. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “APIAHF celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. The law has resulted in real, life-saving results for Americans, including extended premium tax credits for Marketplace plans through 2025 for nearly one million Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific, making comprehensive health insurance more affordable and available. “As we emerge from the public health emergency, many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific elders are more at risk than ever. The Inflation Reduction Act has helped our community access affordable and essential health coverage and prescriptions under Medicare. From a $35 monthly capped insulin cost to recommended adult vaccinations at no cost, the law resulted in real savings for elders.” # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • LEADING AANHPI HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT ON HHS REORGANIZATION

    APRIL 7, 2025 PRESS RELEASE LEADING AANHPI HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT ON HHS REORGANIZATION APRIL 7, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL), and National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP) raised concerns about the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its potential consequences for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. “The reorganization of HHS must be undertaken with a firm commitment to addressing the health challenges and disparities that AANHPI communities continue to face,” said Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of APIAHF. “We are concerned that the changes to HHS’s structure could inadvertently dilute resources that are essential to ensuring culturally and linguistically competent care for our communities. We urge HHS to ensure that the reorganization does not weaken efforts to tackle evidence-based persistent health disparities and access to services in local communities, and to progress our shared goal of helping all Americans.” AANHPI populations have long faced systemic barriers to healthcare access, including a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate services, and significant disparities in chronic disease prevalence, the utilization of mental health services, and tobacco cessation. We are particularly alarmed by the dismantling of HHS regional offices, many of which work directly with AANHPI communities. These offices serve as critical points of engagement, providing essential services, outreach, and resources that support positive health outcomes in historically underserved communities. Their elimination could further isolate AANHPI populations from necessary healthcare services and mask the immediate needs from communities that are struggling. “We urge HHS to provide transparency and meaningful engagement with community stakeholders as it moves forward with this reorganization,” added Rod Lew, Executive Director of APPEA L. “The voices of AANHPI communities must be at the table to ensure their health needs are not overlooked. We remain committed to working with federal partners to ensure the health of our communities remains a central focus of all policy and organizational decisions.” “Our physicians are providing care to AANHPI patients in many settings, including community clinics, academic centers, small practices and public health settings,” remarked Winston Wong, MD, chair & CEO of NCAPIP . “These dramatic reductions to the HHS workforce directly impact the quality and availability of services to AANHPI patients and communities that rely on our physicians to meet their special cultural and linguistic needs.” # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. # # # Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) is a national organization working towards social justice and a tobacco-free Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community. # # # NCAPIP was established 15 years ago to support physicians to meet the needs of their AANHPI communities. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • PHOEBE SAWYER

    PROJECT ASSOCIATE PHOEBE SAWYER PROJECT ASSOCIATE OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Phoebe Sawyer is a Project Associate for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She recently graduated from San Francisco State University and served on the board of the Marketing Association while maintaining a Dean’s List placement. Sawyer is a Bay Area native with a drive and passion to achieve health equity in her community. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

  • LENAYA KIMBALL

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR LENAYA KIMBALL PROGRAM COORDINATOR OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Lenaya a program coordinator for Capacity for Health (C4H), the national capacity building program of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She currently coordinates and leads the onboarding process for the National Learning Community for HIV Leadership. She brings a unique lens to her team, with diverse background experiences in biotech, hospital administration, nonprofits and self-employment. Prior to coming to APIAHF, Lenaya has explored many avenues to marry her need for creative expression and her calling to heal. She has run both a food business and a doula practice. Trained in health supportive cooking, herbal medicine making and certified as a birth and postpartum doula; Lenaya believes in a holistic approach to wellness on the personal, community and environmental level. “Along my journey, I have come to realize that everything is connected, we cannot address the environment, the economy, public health, etc. without inclusivity. It is at the intersection in the full richness of life, that we gain perspective to address our collective needs.” -Lenaya Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

  • APIAHF CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT

    MARCH 23, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT MARCH 23, 2025 WASHINGTON —Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum proudly celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This game-changing law revolutionized healthcare access, affordability, and equity for millions. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, released the following statement: “Fifteen years ago, the Affordable Care Act reshaped our health care system— expanding coverage, breaking down barriers, and bringing us closer to health equity. Thanks to the ACA, millions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families now have access to the care they deserve at rates higher than any racial or ethnic group in the country. As we celebrate this milestone, we call on leaders to build on the ACA’s success and ensure that every American, regardless of background, can live a healthier future.” ACA by the Numbers: Transforming Lives Fifty million Americans gained health coverage —including 4.5 million AANHPIs . 1.5 million AANHPIs enrolled in affordable plans through the ACA Marketplace. Pre-existing conditions? No problem! The ACA barred insurers from denying coverage. Young adults win —staying on their parent’s plans until age 26, regardless of marital status, employment, or living condition. Medicaid expansion in 41 states —covering 1.6 million AANHPIs . Stronger and expanded protections against discrimination in healthcare. Preventive care for all —from cancer screenings to vaccinations, at no extra cost. ### The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF APPLAUDS BICAMERAL CONGRESSIONAL INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024

    JULY 25, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS BICAMERAL CONGRESSIONAL INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024 JULY 25, 2024 WASHINGTON —Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 (HEAA). The bill focuses on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities and has been introduced by the Congressional Tri-Caucus, composed of CAPAC, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This is the first time HEAA has had a bicameral introduction, and over 150 members of Congress have co-sponsored the bill over the past two decades. HEAA is a comprehensive and strategic legislative blueprint and one of the few bills that contains community input from over 300 organizations, including national health justice and civil rights organizations. APIAHF president & CEO, Juliet K. Choi issued the following statement: “As our nation's demographics change, so do our health needs. Underserved and underrepresented communities face substantial barriers to obtaining quality health care and equitable health outcomes. APIAHF is proud to lead the 118th Congress's reintroduction of HEAA, with AAPCHO, to tackle these health disparities head on. HEAA invests in culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and health services, creates a pipeline for an inclusive workforce, and deploys innovative strategies to reach communities regardless of region, immigration status, gender, ethnicity, age, or disability. Achieving health equity requires a multi-faceted approach, and HEAA provides a blueprint to do exactly that.” The full text of the bill is available here . A one-pager is available here . Learn more about HEAA here . ### The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF COMMITTED TO THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

    NOVEMBER 21, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF COMMITTED TO THE CHALLENGES AHEAD NOVEMBER 21, 2024 The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the oldest and largest health advocacy organization working with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities across the nation, is steadfast in its mission to improve the health and well-being of Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. In two months, President-Elect Trump will be inaugurated and take office. Like the start of his first term in 2017, he begins his final term as President with his party controlling the Senate and the House of Representatives. President-Elect Trump has already outlined an agenda that threatens immigrant communities and, through his appointments, has sparked grave concerns about the future health of our communities. While we may not agree with all the policies of the new Administration and the legislative actions of the 119th Congress, APIAHF will remain resolute in supporting our communities, partners, and Senate and House champions. From mobilizing our partners to provide critical resources and information during the COVID-19 pandemic to fighting back against discriminatory administrative and legislative policies targeting our communities, we will ensure our voice remains strong in the face of every challenge. # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • ANCHOR JOINT STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

    JUNE 29, 2023 PRESS RELEASE ANCHOR JOINT STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION JUNE 29, 2023 WASHINGTON —The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) on June 29, 2023 that affirmative action programs violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Today’s Supreme Court decision is a stark reminder of the challenges communities of color face, and highlights the need for continued advocacy to ensure educational opportunity and racial equity. Since its inception, affirmative action has empowered students of color to speak up and share their stories as they seek a brighter future through education and career opportunities. This, in turn, helps build inclusive and thriving communities of students and workers. Despite the outcome of today’s ruling, NCAPA remains committed to supporting affirmative action. “Affirmative action honors the diversity and cultural histories of the AANHPI community. Without it, we all stand to lose,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of NCAPA. “The Supreme Court’s decision to undo decades of progress comes at a time when communities of color are increasingly under attack. While we are disappointed in today’s ruling, we will continue fighting for a fair and equitable education for all students.” Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) said: “The Court has long held that affirmative action is vital to advancing diversity and ensuring our graduates are prepared for our multiracial workforce and society. This decision has implications not only for undergraduate admissions but also for graduate-level admissions, including medical and nursing school. Our communities’ health does best when medical professionals are more likely to understand our experiences. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders continue to be grossly underrepresented in the medical profession, and health equity is further compromised by this decision – particularly in the shadow of the impact of COVID-19 on NHPI communities, which had one of the highest per capita death rates in our nation.” Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) said: “We unequivocally condemn this decision, which ignores the systemic and racially disparate barriers to education access that have historically blocked pathways to upward economic mobility for communities of color, including Southeast Asian American communities. While the ruling is a setback to ensuring educational opportunity for all students, we are resolved to continue fighting for a future where every individual, regardless of their life circumstances, can thrive and succeed.” Estella Owoimaha-Church, Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) said: “There is no alternative to affirmative action or race-conscious admissions for marginalized communities of color, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. This decision will exacerbate structural inequities that persist for Pasifika youth. We continue to move in solidarity alongside our partners to ensure all students have access to inclusive history, culturally responsive learning environments, and diverse books. Our stories matter and deserve to be heard. Each of us has a role to play in cultivating clear paths for emerging leaders so they might forge futures once denied to our elders and ancestors.” John C. Yang, President & Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian American Justice Center (Advancing Justice – AAJC) stated: “We are outraged that the Supreme Court has ignored nearly 50 years of legal precedent in favor of supporting racial inequity that harms Asian Americans and all people of color. But we are more committed than ever to ensuring equal opportunity for our children – and for all children in this country. We will not let this court decision keep us from pushing colleges and universities, Congress, and others to keep today’s ruling from undermining the progress made toward educating future multiracial, talented leaders who deserve every opportunity to reach their highest potential on campuses that reflect the diversity of America.” Vimala Phongsavanh, Board Chair of the Laotian American National Alliance (LANA) said: “LANA continues to support what affirmative action stands for: educational equity that enables aspiring students of color to achieve in higher education and in the pursuit of their careers. Lao American students are already three times more likely not to have earned their high school diplomas, when compared with white students; undoing any progress for the AANHPI communities and the communities with which we stand in solidarity only sets us all back further.” Julie Ajinkya, Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Research and Applied Partnerships at Asian Pacific American Islanders Scholars (APIA Scholars) commented: “APIA Scholars is an organization that supports diversity, equity and inclusion and we decry the Supreme Court’s decision today to repeal affirmative action. Numerous studies on affirmative action bans have demonstrated that the result is an immediate and long-term decrease in diversity and representation and prevents equitable access to opportunities for students. As an organization that is founded on increasing diversity and access to educational opportunities, we support affirmative action, we defend diversity and we affirm inclusivity. We do not support policies that result in the opposite outcome or any rhetoric that undermines racial equity and justice. In our survey that went out to about 22,000 high school seniors, college students and recent grads, 80% of our respondents approve of affirmative action. We believe race is part of a person’s identity and should be one of the factors that should be considered in a holistic admissions evaluation so that more students can receive a fair chance.” Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIA Vote) responded: “Nearly 70 percent of Asian Americans support affirmative action, according to our 2022 Asian American Voter Survey. This decision is another unfortunate example of our Supreme Court ignoring long-held precedent, and goes against what the vast majority of our communities believe. It is disappointing Asian Americans have been used as a wedge in this debate, instead of bringing all Americans together to transparently discuss the merits of affirmative action.” David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) stated: “The court’s dismantling of affirmative action has been done under the presumption that equal opportunity exists for all. We know this to be false both historically and in the present. The elimination of race consciousness in college admissions and employment decisions does nothing to promote equal opportunity. It will instead cover up the incredible diversity that makes this country stronger.” Seema Agnani, CEO of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) stated: “Affirmative action continues to be a vital pathway for low-income communities of color to access educational opportunities that have been historically denied to them by systemic barriers and discrimination. Increased educational opportunities lead to better outcomes for students, families, and communities, and affirmative action is thus an important strategy in the work to close the racial wealth gap. National CAPACD supports affirmative action and underscores the importance of inclusive academic spaces that reflect the diversity of this country.” Becky Belcore, Co-Director of the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) responded: “We condemn the Supreme Court decision as wrong and alarmingly destabilizing to democracy. Affirmative action policies recognize the historical and present-day exclusion faced by marginalized communities – including Asian Americans – and the impacts of such exclusion, and level the playing field so that every aspiring student has opportunities in education. In ruling race-conscious admissions as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court continues its recent pattern of weakening key civil rights policies.” Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates said: “The Supreme Court has chosen to ignore the reality of persistent racial discrimination and inequality in our country, and has undermined the efforts of educators and advocates to create more equitable and diverse learning environments. The ability to have a fair chance to pursue higher education in the United States is the embodiment of the American Dream. We will continue to support affirmative action policies that foster educational opportunity and access for all students, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.” Samira Khan, President of the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) commented: “SAPHA firmly believes that affirmative action is vital for addressing historical disparities, dismantling structural inequities and enabling marginalized students–including South Asian students–to thrive in academic settings by creating inclusive educational environments that reflect the diverse fabric of our society. The Supreme Court ruling undermines our collective efforts to create a more just and equitable society. While we are disappointed with this ruling, we remain steadfast in our efforts to advocate for inclusive and equitable policies.” Anisha Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition stated: “Inclusive education and representation for our communities isn’t just about what’s on the curriculum—it matters who is in the classroom to begin with. For decades, affirmative action has been an essential tool to ensuring that students from all communities have access to higher education. This ruling is a step backwards.” # # # Based in Washington, D.C., the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) coordinates and supports a coalition of forty-six national Asian Pacific American organizations that represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and to provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

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