OCA Dismayed in Reversal of White House Affirmative Action Guidance

5 July 2018
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Thu Nguyen | Communications Associate
202.223.5500 | tnguyen@ocanational.org
 
Washington, DC – OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates released the following statement in reaction to the reversal of the current Affirmative Action guidance by the Trump Administration, a non-binding guidance for educational institutions:
 
This Administration completely ignores the reality of race in America. The fact is that we do not live in a post-racial society. Race often informs where students live and go to school, and along with their opportunities for employment. Affirmative action has historically helped Asian Americans and women access institutions of higher learning. Still, certain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities still face considerable educational barriers. For example, only 17 percent of Hmong and Cambodian Americans have a bachelor’s degree, along with only 8 percent of Samoan and 10 percent of Tongan Americans. Holistic admissions inclusive of race in higher education is critical to engendering equity and equality for students of color. Although non-binding, this reversal sends a clear political message that diversity and our communities’ lived racial experiences do not matter. Courts have ruled time and again the legality of affirmative action policies. The President must reverse this decision, uphold the law, and reaffirm our federal government’s obligation to diversity and access in our schools.
 
OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national organization of community advocates dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs.)​