| HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT | |
| A Guide to Reading | |
| [1] | This document occupies an unusual space, somewhere between a ponderous academic article and terse commentary that conveys deeply felt sentiments bluntly. On the one hand, the authors have not made the exhaustive effort necessary to conform this document strictly to academic standards. Those interested in more traditional academic treatments are invited to read articles by the individual authors cited in the footnotes. On the other hand, this document goes much further in addressing the genuine complexity of affirmative action and its relationship to Asian Pacific Americans ("APAs") than most political and policy literature to date. |
| [2] | Readers familiar with the affirmative action debate should skim Part II, which contains the general arguments in favor of affirmative action. They should turn their attention toward Part III, which addresses concerns particular to Asian Pacific Americans ("APAs"). |
A Guide to Using | |
| [3] | Individuals, especially APAs, who are genuinely uncertain or ambivalent about affirmative action should use this document to help examine and clarify their beliefs. Community organizations could use this document as the basis for discussion in an exercise of deliberative democracy. |
| [4] | Community and civil rights activists in favor of affirmative action can use this document to bolster their cause. First, it can be shared with all those in positions of power who might be persuaded by its argument. Second, it can be used to augment the array of arguments favoring affirmative action currently used. In particular, it may profitably be used in speaker training sessions. The citations, data, and legal analysis are thorough and up-to-date. |
| [5] | Educators in high schools, colleges, and in graduate schools can use this document as a resource for analysis, discussion, and debate. As teachers, we have an obligation to approach the policy debate over affirmative action with comprehensiveness and care. This document should provide an additional, unconventional entry point of inquiry. |
| [6] | Government officials can use this document to learn something about APAs, our history, the particular forms of racism we suffer, and the dangers of assuming that we are the model minority. This document directly answers the common cry of government officials that they do not know where APAs stand on the issue of affirmative action and race relations. |
| [7] | Similarly, media can use this document to help fill a vacuum about APA thinking on affirmative action. The national media has been slow in recognizing that reporting racial politics without considering all racial groups, including APAs, is incomplete. Adding the views of APAs is essential, especially with affirmative action. This document provides not only useful background but a starting point from which to make further journalistic and investigative inquiries. |
| [8] | Publication and distribution of this policy analysis was made possible through the generous support of the Affiliation of LEAP Asian Pacific American Public Policy Institute ("APA PPI") and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center ("AASC"). The individual authors also thank their deans for summer research support. |
NOTES | |
| [9] | The following individuals contributed constructive criticism: Keith Aoki, Robert Chang, Pat Chew, Margaret Chon, Richard Delgado, Gerald Lòpez, Philip Tajitsu Nash, Karen Narasaki, Paul Ong, Ling-chi Wang, Theodore Wang, Tseming Yang, and Wendy Yip. The authors also thank Connie Chang of UCLA Law for superb research assistance, and Darryl Mar and Mary Gao of the UCLA AASC for expert desktop publishing. |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS | |
| [10] | Two thousand copies of this policy analysis were printed in September 1996 and distributed throughout the country to elected officials, community leaders, civil rights organizations, educational institutions, and the media. The document was also made available through the Internet. A revised version of this policy analysis will be published by the UCLA Asian Pacific American Law Journal in 1997. |
| [11] | To facilitate electronic distribution of this document, each paragraph is numbered for easy citation. Specific paragraphs may be referred to without page numbers by referring to Part and paragraph number, for example, as Part I.B, ¶ 3. |
| [12] | The contents of this document are copyrighted by the four authors jointly. Permission is granted to reprint this document in whole for any noncommercial purpose, without alteration or addition, provided that notice is given to all four authors of any such reprints. |
| [13] | Media inquiries may be directed to any of the individual authors. For further information about future public policy projects by APA law faculty, please contact Professor Jerry Kang. |