"From: Tuyet Le [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 12:35 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Asian American Community Opposes Contractors Exclusion
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2004
Asian American Community Opposes Contractors Exclusion
The Asian American Institute is deeply disappointed that Chicago will mark
Asian American Heritage Month by leaving Asian Americans out of the City's
affirmative action program for building contractors.
The Mayor's Task Force is recommending that Asian Americans not be included
as a presumptive group in the City's new MBE/WBE construction ordinance.
We strongly disagree with the Task Force's interpretation of Judge Moran's
ruling. Nowhere in his meticulous ruling does Judge Moran say that Asian
Americans should be excluded. The Asian American Bar Association, the
Indian American Bar Association, and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois
have combed the 38-page ruling, and agree with us on this.
"Asian American contractors are being excluded because the problems of our
community - including a history of discrimination - are masked by the 'model
minority' myth," said Tuyet Le, Executive Director of the Asian American
Institute. "Those who want to dismantle affirmative action portray Asian
Americans as the 'model minority' -- universally successful, well-educated
and immune to discrimination. But the stories and history of the community
reveal a very different reality." Any decision about Asian Americans in
affirmative action programs must be informed by an understanding of Asian
American poverty, discrimination, and lack of political representation. The
City can be commended for expending its resources to protect this
much-needed program. The Task Force has taken a step in the right direction
by recommending that the City fund research to determine discrimina! tion in
the construction industry, and revisit our inclusion in the program after
the study is completed. The Mayor's staff has continued to be receptive in
working with the contractors to make the best of this situation.
The Mayor has shown strong leadership in creating the possibility for women
and the gay/lesbian community to have a voice in City Council. He now has a
chance to make a lasting contribution to Asian American empowerment. Last
month, the Asian American Institute and community members requested a
meeting with the Mayor to discuss three major concerns:
1. Inclusion of Asian Americans in the City's construction
affirmative action program.
2. Resources for organizations that serve Asian Americans
in poverty and in need.
3. Support for qualified Asian Americans to elected
office.
The Asian American Institute recognizes the courage of those who have stood
up to speak on behalf of our community. City council mem! bers and
contractors of every race have supported us in our struggle. They recognize
what is at stake is affirmative action programs for all minorities.
Asian American Heritage Month should be used as a time to reflect on the
state of Asian Americans. We welcome the opportunity to discuss community
issues with the Mayor and our other elected officials. Asian Americans
should use this month to recognize the strength in our unity, and celebrate
the courage of those who stand up for what is right.
Established in 1992, the Asian American Institute is a pan-Asian, non-profit
organization dedicated to the empowerment of the Asian American community
through advocacy, utilizing research, education, and coalition-building.
###
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 12:35 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Asian American Community Opposes Contractors Exclusion
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2004
Asian American Community Opposes Contractors Exclusion
The Asian American Institute is deeply disappointed that Chicago will mark
Asian American Heritage Month by leaving Asian Americans out of the City's
affirmative action program for building contractors.
The Mayor's Task Force is recommending that Asian Americans not be included
as a presumptive group in the City's new MBE/WBE construction ordinance.
We strongly disagree with the Task Force's interpretation of Judge Moran's
ruling. Nowhere in his meticulous ruling does Judge Moran say that Asian
Americans should be excluded. The Asian American Bar Association, the
Indian American Bar Association, and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois
have combed the 38-page ruling, and agree with us on this.
"Asian American contractors are being excluded because the problems of our
community - including a history of discrimination - are masked by the 'model
minority' myth," said Tuyet Le, Executive Director of the Asian American
Institute. "Those who want to dismantle affirmative action portray Asian
Americans as the 'model minority' -- universally successful, well-educated
and immune to discrimination. But the stories and history of the community
reveal a very different reality." Any decision about Asian Americans in
affirmative action programs must be informed by an understanding of Asian
American poverty, discrimination, and lack of political representation. The
City can be commended for expending its resources to protect this
much-needed program. The Task Force has taken a step in the right direction
by recommending that the City fund research to determine discrimina! tion in
the construction industry, and revisit our inclusion in the program after
the study is completed. The Mayor's staff has continued to be receptive in
working with the contractors to make the best of this situation.
The Mayor has shown strong leadership in creating the possibility for women
and the gay/lesbian community to have a voice in City Council. He now has a
chance to make a lasting contribution to Asian American empowerment. Last
month, the Asian American Institute and community members requested a
meeting with the Mayor to discuss three major concerns:
1. Inclusion of Asian Americans in the City's construction
affirmative action program.
2. Resources for organizations that serve Asian Americans
in poverty and in need.
3. Support for qualified Asian Americans to elected
office.
The Asian American Institute recognizes the courage of those who have stood
up to speak on behalf of our community. City council mem! bers and
contractors of every race have supported us in our struggle. They recognize
what is at stake is affirmative action programs for all minorities.
Asian American Heritage Month should be used as a time to reflect on the
state of Asian Americans. We welcome the opportunity to discuss community
issues with the Mayor and our other elected officials. Asian Americans
should use this month to recognize the strength in our unity, and celebrate
the courage of those who stand up for what is right.
Established in 1992, the Asian American Institute is a pan-Asian, non-profit
organization dedicated to the empowerment of the Asian American community
through advocacy, utilizing research, education, and coalition-building.
###
Do you Yahoo!?
Win a $20,000 Career Makeover at Yahoo! HotJobs
