Dear AASC friends, colleagues, and supporters:
We are deeply troubled by the violence that has unfolded in Israel and Palestine, the suffering and mounting loss of life, and the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Here at home, we raise concern over rising Islamophobia and antisemitism surrounding the conflict that threaten the safety and liberty of Muslims and Jews alike, as we believe that all life is precious.
While antisemitism is inexcusable, charges of antisemitism are unfortunately being leveled at educators and educational institutions, effectively muffling open political discourse and expression. Combined with recent movements to ban books and speech concerning issues of race and gender identity, the rights of academic freedom and freedom of speech hang in the balance. It is of utmost importance to preserve the rights to academic freedom, freedom of speech and due process in order to preserve basic democratic rights more broadly.
These rights are critical for educators and students striving to heal a divided society with greater understanding of who we are in all our many hues and histories. Our two focal initiatives—to increase the voices of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in policy making and to include our histories and experiences in K-12 and college curricula—are key to shaping new narratives that are inclusive and justice minded. Alongside the other Ethnic Studies centers under the Institute of American Cultures, we continue to work together towards these and other shared aims.
We hope you will join us on this important journey.
With gratitude,
Karen Umemoto, Ph.D.
Helen and Morgan Chu Chair and Director
All Rights Reserved. © UCLA Asian American Studies Center, Los Angeles, California
Remembering Alan Nishio (1945-2023)
Alan Nishio was an exemplar of activism and service who profoundly influenced generations of students, community organizations and educational institutions.
Alan was interviewed as part of the UCLA Collective Memories project. To learn more about him, please view his oral history interview conducted on October 30, 2018.
Project Spotlights
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Asian American, Latino, Black and White Voters in Los Angeles City Elections Racial Diversity and Representation in 2020 and 2022
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Korean & Asian American Journalists Writing Truth to Power
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July 31, 2024
Celebrate and learn about the life of Yuri Kochiyama
Zoom Webinar
Yuri Kochiyama is an iconic figure in the Asian American community as a civil rights and social movement builder. We invite researchers, educators, counselors, students, and lifelong learners to learn about Yuri's journey for social justice through her rare and revealing documents and ephemera left for posterity.
May 17, 2024, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Learn More: https://www.aasc.ucla.edu/news/kochiyamaexhibitcollection073124.aspx
2024 Asian American & Pacific Islander Policy Summit
"Moving from Collective Knowledge to Action"
DATE: Friday, March 8, 2024
UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center
425 Westwood Plaza | Los Angeles, CA 90095
Registration is required. Please register here.
View the 2024 AAPI Policy Summit Program, Schedule, and more information here.
The "2024 AAPI Policy Summit: Moving from Collective Knowledge to Action," builds upon the 2023 Summit that focused on reimagining California by developing solutions that establish more equitable institutions, policies, and systems that work toward social justice for all. In particular, a future inclusive of Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities. We invite you to join us as we continue to weave together our collective knowledge and build a future where action, power, representation and care lead to enduring impact.
The Summit is made possible in part by the Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Budget, which was a result of a statewide coalition of 116 community-based organizations and the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus who advocated for these funds to support the critical work in developing equity, safety, and unity for California's diverse AAPI communities.
This event is co-organized by UCLA Asian American Studies Center, CA AAPI Legislative Caucus, and Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs.
View the Policy Summit from February 10, 2023 here!
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A Message from Director Karen Umemoto
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