AAUC has been actively supporting and cosigning open letters for a wide range of issues affecting Asian American communities across the United States, sponsored by various civic advocacy groups. Among its key efforts are:
Open letter to Texas State Senators and Representatives: Opposition against SB 17 and HB 17 and other National Origin Based Discrimination Bills in the 89th Texas Legislature. In Texas, the Senate Bill 147 (2023) initially sought to ban citizens and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from buying property. After the backlash, the bill was amended to exclude lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and dual citizens. In Florida, a similar law (SB 264, 2023) restricts Chinese nationals (with some exceptions) from purchasing property near military installations and critical infrastructure. These laws, often framed as national security measures, have raised concerns about discrimination and xenophobia. Professor Steven Pai, a member of the AAUC board, has been a leading voice in opposing laws in Texas, Florida, and several other states that prohibit Chinese non-citizens from purchasing real estate.
Asian American Scholar Forum’s open letter urging Indiana University (IU) to reinstate tenured Professor Xiaofeng Wang. Professor Xiaofeng Wang and his wife, both employed by the Indiana University had their residence raided and were dismissed by the IU without proper legal procedure, violating their civil rights protection.
AASF hosts forums featuring scholars, legal experts, and community leaders to discuss pressing issues such as civil rights, immigration policies, and combating anti-Asian hate.
Supporting Asian American History Education in Schools
AAUC has backed efforts to mandate the teaching of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history in public schools through advocacy effort at the US Capitol in 2023 and 2024.
In Arizona, AAUC cosigned the open letters spearheaded by MakeUSvisible, including:
- National AANHPI Letter of Support for AZ SB 1301 to Governor Hobbs
- Coalition Letter in Support to the AZ State Legislature
This aligns with broader national movements, such as Illinois’ TEAACH Act (HB 376, 2021), which requires AAPI history in K-12 curricula. While Arizona has not yet passed a similar law, advocacy groups, including AAUC, are pushing for legislative action to ensure inclusive education.
AAUC continues to work at the intersection of policy, education, and civil rights, ensuring that Asian American voices are represented in critical legislative debates.
