top of page
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube

Search this site

92 results found with an empty search

  • ABOUT | APIAHF

    ​APIAHF is the oldest and largest health advocacy organization working with AA & NH/PI communities across the nation, in the US Territories, and with the US‐affiliated Pacific jurisdictions. By providing policy and political analysis, research and data support, and effective communications strategies, APIAHF supports local AA & NH/PI communities to have an influence on local, state, and national policy. MISSION — Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. ABOUT — Offices in San Francisco and Washington, DC Established 1986 APIAHF is the oldest health advocacy organization working with AA & NH/PI communities across the nation, in the US Territories, and with the US‐affiliated Pacific jurisdictions. By providing policy and political analysis, research and data support, and effective communications strategies, APIAHF supports local AA & NH/PI communities to have an influence on local, state, and national policy. By providing grants, training, technical assistance, and consulting, APIAHF is a source of key resources so that communities can mobilize and grow stronger in their coalitions and organizational structures. VISION STATEMENT — APIAHF envisions a healthier future for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, inspired and driven by community. VALUES — RESPECT because we affirm the identity, rights and dignity of all people. FAIRNESS in how people are treated by others and by institutions, including who participates in decision making processes. EQUITY in power, opportunities, and resources to address obstacles, hindering vulnerable communities and groups from living their healthiest lives.

  • 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. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. 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. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF APPLAUDS HHS ACTIONS TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS

    MAY 3, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS HHS ACTIONS TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS MAY 3, 2024 WASHINGTON —Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), finalized a Rule under the Administrative Procedure Act that will expand health coverage for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients by opening up Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plans. This Rule will benefit an estimated 100,000 Dreamers. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) and former Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, gave the following statement: “After a historic Marketplace enrollment period, with over 21 million individuals selecting Affordable Care Act health insurance, we are thrilled by HHS’s bold action to expand access to the Marketplace to more Americans. In addition to access to affordable health coverage, Dreamers will also be able to utilize federal subsidies for these plans. “For far too long, DACA recipients, approximately 10 percent of whom are Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, have been denied access to many health care options provided by the Affordable Care Act despite living and residing in the United States. Today’s announcement continues the Biden Administration’s commitment that health care is a right, not a privilege.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

    AUGUST 4, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AUGUST 4, 2026 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacob Aki and Mary Joy Garcia-Dia to its Board of Directors. “We are honored to welcome Jacob Aki and Mary Joy Garcia-Dia to our Board,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Jacob and Mary Joy each bring exceptional leadership, deep ties to the communities we serve, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. As we celebrate APIAHF’s 40-year legacy this year, their expertise across public affairs, healthcare informatics, and health equity will be invaluable as we build toward the next 40 years.” “Jacob and Mary Joy embody the leadership, vision, and passion needed to help guide APIAHF through this critical moment,” said Dr. Sheri Boyle, Board Chair of APIAHF. “Their diverse experiences and longstanding dedication to service will strengthen our work and help ensure that the voices and needs of AANHPI communities remain at the forefront of health policy and advocacy.” Jacob Aki serves as Senior Public Affairs Manager at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, where he leads government relations and community engagement efforts across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Prior to joining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, he spent nearly a decade in public service in the Hawai‘i State Legislature, including as Director of Communications for the Hawai‘i State Senate and as a senior legislative advisor. A proud Native Hawaiian leader, Aki has dedicated his career to advancing policies and initiatives that expand opportunities and improve outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, DNP, RN, FAAN, FHIMSS, is a nationally recognized leader in nursing informatics, digital health innovation, and health equity. She serves as Program Director for Nursing Informatics at NewYork-Presbyterian, leading enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives that enhance patient care and healthcare delivery. Dr. Garcia-Dia has held numerous national leadership positions, including service on the National Advisory Council on Research for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health and as President of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. As APIAHF commemorates its 40th anniversary, the organization remains committed to advancing health equity and improving the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities nationwide. The addition of Aki and Garcia-Dia to the Board of Directors further strengthens APIAHF’s leadership as it continues to champion policies and programs that ensure all communities have the opportunity to thrive. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • APIAHF CONDEMNS TRUMP-ERA DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAID DATA TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

    JUNE 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CONDEMNS TRUMP-ERA DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAID DATA TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT JUNE 13, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) urges immediate action to reverse the Trump administration’s recent disclosure of sensitive Medicaid data—including immigration status—to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, confirming internal emails and memos obtained by the Associated Press . According to these documents, two senior advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hand over names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical claims for Medicaid enrollees in California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, DC—despite CMS officials warning this move may violate the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, and longstanding policy. “Health care access is a fundamental human right,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Disclosing Medicaid data to immigration authorities breaches that right, instills fear, and threatens public health. No one should be forced to choose between medical care and safety.” APIAHF stands firmly against this chilling violation of patient confidentiality and public trust. By weaponizing health‑care data for immigration enforcement, these actions risk deterring immigrant families, including many in our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, from seeking essential care. As the nation’s leading health equity advocate for AA & NHPI communities, APIAHF will continue to champion policies that ensure health care is safe, accessible, and free from surveillance. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • EPHRAIM COLBERT

    DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER EPHRAIM COLBERT DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Ephraim is the digital media production manager for APIAHF’s Capacity for Health project. In his role, he leads the development for Ending of the HIV Epidemic video, podcast, and social media series. Ephraim uses communications and productions skills to share and amplify the voices of the voiceless. Before APIAHF Ephraim was a freelance producer working in video, radio, and podcast in the Bay Area. Ephraim has been Technical Director of live event for KPFA Radio 94.1fm and produced YouTube shows. “My community has rightfully had a history of mistrust of the healthcare system. I’d like to contribute to the rebuilding of that trust and improve the health concerns facing the African American community.” -Ephraim Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

  • 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.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • STATES MUST TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE MEDICAID COVERAGE

    DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESS RELEASE STATES MUST TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE MEDICAID COVERAGE DECEMBER 18, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services released an instructional bulletin to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to ensure Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligible individuals retain their coverage during the state’s Medicaid Unwinding period. CMS released additional data that nine states, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Arkansas, South Dakota, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Montana, account for 60 percent of the decline in children’s Medicaid and CHIP enrollment from March through September 2023. In September, CMS required all states to pause disenrollment and reinstate coverage for certain disenrolled individuals under Medicaid Unwinding. The action resulted in a half-million children and their families regaining Medicaid and CHIP Coverage. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “Medicaid and CHIP cover more than half of all children in the United States. We applaud CMS for ensuring children have reliable access to necessary health care as we head into winter when influenza and other illnesses need medical attention. “However, thousands of families and their children continue to face disenrollment, and it is unconscionable that this occurs due to a state’s systems and operational issues. These states must take immediate action to ensure children are protected. Today’s action by CMS reinforces the Biden administration’s policy of ensuring quality care for all families, and states must take action to ensure the well-being of our nation’s children.” # # # 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 THE PASSAGE OF THE FY2026 DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT

    FEBRUARY 5, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS THE PASSAGE OF THE FY2026 DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT FEBRUARY 5, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) issued a statement in response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, and Related Agencies spending bill, which became law this week as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF gave the following statement: “We applaud Congress for taking decisive, bipartisan action to fund critical health programs in the FY2026 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill – investments that are vital to the nation’s long-term health and wellbeing. “This bill sustains and, in some cases, increases much-needed funding for healthcare workforce training, biomedical research, new directives to address the mental health needs for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth. It also reaffirms a strong commitment to the Health Resources and Services Administration and its Health Centers Program—a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare safety net that delivers essential primary and preventive care to millions of patients nationwide. APIAHF has consistently advocated for robust investments in these vital programs that directly serve our communities. “Beyond investments in public health infrastructure, congressional leaders bolstered language access services, including directing HHS to develop best practices for improving telehealth access for people with limited English proficiency. “The FY26 Appropriations Act reflects tireless advocacy—from national coalitions to state and local partners, and from constituents across the country—calling on Congress to legislate in ways that reflect the diverse needs of our communities. This action represents meaningful progress, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the 119th Congress to build on these gains.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

  • STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR. AS SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    FEBRUARY 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR. AS SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 13, 2025 WASHINGTON —Today, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the federal agency responsible for safeguarding public health and ensuring access to critical healthcare services. With a workforce of over 80,000, HHS oversees key agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA), Administration for Children & Families (ACF), and Administration for Community Living (ACL). Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement: “As Secretary Kennedy takes on this critical role, we acknowledge his Senate hearing commitment to expand access to healthcare for vulnerable communities. We encourage him to bolster public trust in investing in our public health infrastructure, including vaccine education and access, Medicaid and Medicare, and tackling health disparities based on data-driven and evidence-based research. "We remain dedicated to working with Secretary Kennedy and the Administration to improve the health and well-being of all Americans and hard-working families and ensuring those most in need receive the care and support they deserve.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. 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

SEARCH RESULTS

bottom of page