Thank you to NCAPA for bringing together this inspiring group of changemakers and creating intentional space for reflection, collaboration, and shared power.

Together, we are charting a path forward.

Founded in 1996, NCAPA is a coalition of 44 national AANHPI orgs working together to advance equity, justice & a powerful unified voice for our communities. This week’s convening brings together EDs from across the country to reflect & strategize for 2026 and beyond.

AASF extends our sincere thanks to Helen Chen, CCADP President, and the CCADP organizers for convening this important forum and creating a supportive environment for academic leaders committed to educating the next generation.

Kusakawa spoke during “The Imperative of Engaging with Legislators & Policymakers,” where she highlighted how academic leaders can play a crucial role in shaping policies that advance institutional priorities, support students & strengthen higher education’s impact on society.

AASF looks forward to working collaboratively to move forward with policies that promote integral fundamental values of transparency, due process, and fairness, and in doing so also strengthen America's role as a global leader in research and innovation: www.aasforum.org/2025/12/08/v...

A recent Science article highlighted the growing national concerns about the act and how organizations like AASF were bringing those concerns to the attention of lawmakers: www.aasforum.org/2025/11/10/a...

AASF fellows Prof. Peter F. Michelson & Prof. Steven A. Kivelson also led a letter from Stanford University faculty signed by more than 750 scholars and researchers: www.aasforum.org/2025/10/29/a...

The letter supports AASF’s letter that raised concerns about the damaging consequences this legislation would have on America’s scientific competitiveness, innovation, and ability to attract top global talent: www.aasforum.org/2025/10/20/a...

More than 750 faculty members & researchers from 210 US universities & academic institutions in 41 states & DC have also signed on in support. The list of supporters also includes several Nobel laureates as well as many members of the NAS & the AAAS.

AASF Board Member Prof. Haifan Lin (Yale) was quoted as calling for fairness and trust in global research. “It will accelerate the breakdown of people-to-people trust…”

Read the article: www.science.org/content/arti...

Quoted in the article, Prof. Kivelson spoke about the importance of scientists speaking out: “The image of tilting with windmills does come to mind. But this issue is so important to scientists, I feel that we need to do whatever we can”: www.science.org/content/arti...

Prof. Michelson emphasized the importance of policies rooted in fairness, not fear: “Our scientific leadership has benefited enormously from the United States’ ability to attract and collaborate with the world’s brightest minds.” www.aasforum.org/2025/10/29/a...

Science highlights the Asian American Scholar Forum’s warning that the Act’s vague language could lead to “arbitrary and biased enforcement,” echoing the chilling effects of the former China Initiative: www.aasforum.org/2025/10/20/a...

As highlighted in our recent letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, AASF has cautioned Congress against the SAFE Research Act provision of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): www.aasforum.org/2025/10/20/a...

Please register to join us for this training that will equip participants with the knowledge and advocacy tools needed to advocate on issues that directly impact them, such as the China Initiative, research security, fundamental rights, and academic freedom in our country.

What are some of our concerns with the SAFE Research Act? Read our letter to learn more!

www.aasforum.org/2025/10/20/a...

Through this letter, AASF reaffirmed its commitment to working with Congress to strengthen U.S. leadership in science and technology, while upholding the core American values of transparency, clarity, fairness, due process, and non-discrimination.