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Asian Racism / CRT / Prop 16 Press Conference Recap / Video

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March 22, 2021 – LAKE FOREST – Over a hundred people gathered this Saturday in Orange County to address the recent targeted attacks on Asians which has made national news. This press conference of Asian community leaders in Southern California, with counterparts from New York, Washington DC and Northern California, featured many on the team that defeated Proposition 16 in November, which was a direct racist institutional attack that would have affected the livelihood of Asian Americans. Many more attended on Zoom.

The pushback continues as these leaders gathered to address the overall racist climate leading to attacks all over California, most recently in Compton of Sia Marie Xiong.  Asian attacks made national news with the serial murders of 6 Asian women in Atlanta massage parlors, as well as multiple assaults in the Bay Area.

The specific implementation of Critical Race Theory (CRT), an educational initiative focused on racial divisions, has also gained spotlight and coverage from national news outlets. The discussion summarized the “No on 16” campaign’s victory defeating a sweeping initiative that would have instituted race-based preferences in public schools, public contracting, and public sector hiring, a clear example of institutional racism. Prop 16 was shot down by California voters in November 2020, 57-43, a solid 14 point victory, driven by strong grassroots support.

“Our landslide victory over Prop 16 last November shows that Californians believe in equality for all, not racial preferences or racial grievance,” said Ward Connerly, former president of the No on Prop 16 campaign and president of the American Civil Rights Institute. “I thank and congratulate my colleagues who fought alongside me in this momentous battle. We could not have triumphed without their dedication, ingenuity, and perseverance.” 

“I [also] applaud my former colleagues for taking up the fight against Critical Race Theory,” Connerly added. “More important, I am greatly encouraged by their continued commitment to individualism and equal rights over racial classification and race-based advocacy. I am especially pleased that Betty, Marc, and Tony, and my dear friends Ying and Wai Wah are involved in this effort as they were in ‘No on 16.’”

Recently, Lowell High School in San Francisco, a prestigious high school, got rid of merit based admissions and President Biden putting a stop to support for the litigation against Yale admissions discrimination lawsuit going to the Supreme Court, highlighting the fight ahead on an institutional level.

Organizer Marc Ang of AIB2B has recently been featured twice on lengthy segments on One America News National to plug this event and talk about the violence against Asians and institutionalized racism that is generally ignored. See the first appearance clip here. Marc moderated the event, and provided commentary as the Outreach Director of the No on 16 Campaign, speaking about the importance of coalition building outside just the Asian community, as he has shown with the ability to draw a multicultural crowd from white, African American and Hispanic leaders dedicated to meritocracy. These were leaders pivotal in the campaign to create a community groundswell against Prop 16, which would not have won without the support of Latinos and Blacks, who supported No on 16 heavily.

Ward Connerly, an African American former UC regent, spoke about the overall movement and his many years fighting different affirmative action attempts in California since Prop 209 passed in 1996. He was also joined by UCLA Professor Matt Malkan, a veteran in the fight against more than 4 attempts to re-institute race based preferences since 1996.

Betty Tom Chu, the former Mayor of Monterey Park, the first Chinese American woman in California to pass the BAR and the founder of East West Bank, a clear example of meritocratic success, spoke about the specific campaign and the importance of unity in a political movement.

Wai Wah Chin, a New York leader in this fight, has recently been featured on national outlets for her strong rebuke against Critical Race Theory. Same can be said for Ying Ma, who is regularly featured on Fox News national, and was the Communications Director in the campaign, helping to shape an important narrative that included all Americans during the 2020 campaign. Student activists Clarissa Suwoko and Peter Cheng shared their perspectives especially with regard to their peer groups.

Northern California grassroots leader Tony Guan gave a compelling presentation on the extent of his grassroots activities under “StopProp16” from car rallies to yard signs, uncoordinated with the main No on 16 campaign, a true sign of the impact of a decentralized effort that relied on a strong message that resonated beyond formal organizations and brought the power back to the people. 

Other speakers included former State Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff, with his wife Mei Mei, a community leader in her own right, in attendance.  Denise Soto, AIB2B’s educational lead, is also leading a School Choice 2022 ballot initiative. She spoke about the importance of bringing taxpayer education dollars back to the citizens, and encouraged parents to homeschool for better quality education through a specific public school exit plan.

For more information, watch the entire conference video or contact Marc Ang at 424-291-2102 or marc@aib2b.org.

Ward Connerly Statement for Prop 16 Victory

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Ward Connerly Reflects on Equality vs. Equity and Victory of NO on Prop 16 Campaign

 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 17, 2021
 
Ward Connerly Expresses Gratitude for Defeat of Racial Preferences in California; Reflects on Equality vs. Equity and Victory of NO on Prop 16 Campaign Last November
 
Sacramento, CA – March 17, 2021 – Ward Connerly, former president of the NO on Prop 16 campaign and president of the American Civil Rights Institute, today offered his reflections on the resounding victory of the NO on Prop 16 campaign in California last November.
 
“Though President Biden has made ‘racial equity’ the new marching orders of his administration,” Connerly said, “the NO on Prop 16 campaign showed that Americans believe in equality for all, not special treatment for some. We are each other’s equal, not because of color or race, but because we are all Americans.”
 
Proposition 16 sought to repeal part of the California Constitution—passed as Proposition 209 in 1996—that prohibits racial discrimination and racial preferences in public employment, public contracting, and public education. 
 
In a state where Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump by nearly 2 to 1, the NO on Prop 16 campaign won by a 14-point margin. This is despite the fact that the YES campaign enjoyed a funding advantage of 16 to 1, as well as the backing of the entire political, media, sports, and business establishment in the Golden State.
 
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the team that defeated the ‘equity’ agenda in California,” Connerly said. “Equality was upheld because of your courage, commitment, and dedication. As the ‘equity’ agenda seeks to take hold elsewhere across America, I look forward to continuing the fight with many of you.”
 
Connerly offered appreciation for the leadership, staff, volunteers, and other supporters who contributed to the NO on Prop 16 victory. They are listed in the Appendix. This press release serves as a historical account of those who participated in the campaign to preserve and defend the ideal of equal rights as enshrined in the California Constitution.
 
Contact:
 
Ying Ma
Former Communications Director
NO on Prop 16
defendingequal@gmail.com
(703) 436-4539
 
 —
 
Appendix
 
Californians rejected Prop 16 by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent in November 2020. Below is a list (an inevitably incomplete one) of those who fought to make this victory possible.  
 
Leadership of NO on Prop 16 (many of whom were “present at creation” for the Prop 209 campaign in 1996)

  • Arnold Steinberg, strategist. Steinberg’s brilliant strategy positioned the NO on 16 campaign for victory, as his political acumen and extensive campaign experience guided the campaign against tremendous political headwinds.
  • Gail Heriot, vice chair. Heriot was the campaign’s largest individual donor. Her expertise and tireless advocacy on this issue was invaluable from beginning to end.
  • Manny Klausner, vice chair. Klausner’s generous financial contributions, wise counsel, and steady leadership helped to keep the campaign focused on victory at all times.
  • Tom Campbell, honorary co-chair. A distinguished statesman known for his political independence, Campbell lent the campaign his stature, intellect, and eloquence.
  • Betty Chu, honorary co-chair. A trailblazer and political leader amongst Americans of Asian descent, Chu spoke forcefully on behalf of the campaign and provided extensive guidance.
  • Wai Wah Chin, honorary co-chair. A leader in the fight for equality in education in New York, Chin offered valuable advice and support.
  • Linda Yang, honorary co-chair. A leader in the defense of equality in Washington State, Yang lent her experience from defeating a similar attempt to restore racial preferences in her home state in 2019.
 
Veterans of Prop 209
  • Quentin Kopp, former judge and state senator. A political independent and elder statesman, Judge Kopp reminded Californians of the grave injustice inflicted by racial discrimination and racial preferences.
  • Glynn Custred, co-author of Prop 209 and retired professor. The academic who helped to start a revolution in 1996, Custred offered his expertise, advice, and good humor.
  • Sheri Annis, interim communications director. Annis provided extensive media outreach and strategic communications expertise, and effectively advocated for the campaign in its early days.
  • Ying Ma, communications director. In a campaign where communications was paramount due to COVID-19 and a lopsided funding ratio, Ma delivered a formidable communications operation that reached and persuaded voters of all stripes throughout the state.
 
Key Advisors and Staff of NO on Prop 16
  • Wenyuan Wu, executive director. With no prior campaign experience, Wu ably oversaw the administration of the campaign.
  • Frank Xu, assistant treasurer. Xu singlehandedly raised most of the funding for the campaign, much of it from small donors who were Americans of Chinese descent.
  • Crystal Lu, vice president. Lu offered assistance and advice for fundraising and community outreach.
  • Saga Conroy, secretary. Conroy assisted with political organizational, outreach, and the campaign’s online advertising programming.
  • Damian Fussell, state chairman. Fussell managed political outreach throughout the state.
  • Marc Ang, director of outreach. Drawing on his track record of coalition building and political activism, Ang helped the campaign to reach diverse constituencies across racial groups and party lines.
  • Joy Chen, director at large. Chen offered early leadership in identifying voters who were discontented with and harmed by racial preferences, and advocated for the campaign in person, on social media, and via fundraising efforts.
  • Stephen Miller, Orange County co-chair. A political independent, Miller was one of the campaign’s most effective advocates on social media and tirelessly fought for victory through political outreach and organization in Southern California.
  • William Baber, treasurer. An experienced professional, Baber guided the campaign through complicated finance laws and regulations.
  • Tina Xu, director of Asian community outreach. Xu helped the campaign to deliver its message via superb imagery and advocated on its behalf in the Chinese media and local communities.
  • Cindy Northon, media advisor. Northon offered able assistance with media outreach.
  • Maggie Morgan, research assistant. Morgan competently provided much needed communications support.
  • Simone Brown, special advisor.
  • Selena C., special advisor.
  • Ron F., special advisor.
  • Ava L., special advisor.
  • Sophia L., special advisor.
 
Scholars, Writers, Policy Experts, and Media
 
“The Armstrong and Getty Show,” The Bakersfield Californian, Tucker Carlson, Larry Elder, Charles Geshekter, John Fund, Mike Gonzalez, Quin Hillyer, Lance Izumi, Jeff Jacoby, George Leef, Ken Masugi, Matt Malkin, William McGurn, Althea Nagai, Sally Pipes, Dennis Prager, Jason Riley, Karina Rollins, John Rosenberg, Richard Sander, Larry Siskind, Southern California News Group, Eugene Volokh, The Wall Street Journal
 
Political Leaders and Community Activists
  • Srihari Atluri, president, Los Angeles Telugu Association
  • Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, State Senator
  • Simone Brown, small business owner
  • Roger Chandler, Mayor of Arcadia
  • Liang-Fang Chao, Vice Mayor of Cupertino
  • Phillip Chen, State Assemblyman for District 55
  • Paul Cheng, Arcadia City Councilmember
  • Carlos Rafael Cruz, former candidate for Assembly District 28
  • Vince Dao, Instagram influencer
  • Diane Dixon, Newport Beach City Councilmember
  • Kali Fontanilla, schoolteacher and NO on Prop 16 rebuttal signer
  • Mike Goldman, former Sunnyvale City Councilmember
  • Sudha Kasamsetty, former candidate for Cupertino Union School District Board of Education
  • Young Kim, U.S. Representative, 39th Congressional District
  • Ling Kong, Milpitas City Commissioner
  • Aparna Madireddi, former candidate for Mayor of San Ramon
  • Bob Huff, former State Senate Minority Leader
  • Mei Mei Huff, Chinese community leader
  • John Park, small business owner and community leader
  • Nisha Sharma, former candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from California’s 11th Congressional District
  • Steven Scharf, former Mayor of Cupertino
  • Michelle Steel, U.S. Representative, California’s 48th Congressional District
  • Shawn Steel, Republican National Committee member
  • Eli Steele, filmmaker
  • Ritesh Tandon, former candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from California’s 17th Congressional District
  • Jose Tercero, political consultant
  • Leo Terrell, political commentator, longtime civil rights attorney, former opponent of Prop 209, and NO on Prop 16 rebuttal signer
  • Don Wagner, Orange County Supervisor
  • Yukong Zhao, President of Asian Americans Coalition for Education

 
Volunteers
 
The vast army of volunteers who gathered to defeat Prop 16 served as the backbone of the movement to defend equality. They worked tirelessly, organizing numerous weekend car rallies, distributing NO on Prop 16 yard signs, making phone calls to politicians in Sacramento, promoting awareness on social media, and much, much more. The volunteers ranged from professionals to homemakers, many of whom were participating in the political process for the first time. Their organizational efforts were phenomenal, with numerous volunteers assuming leadership and taking on tasks without coordination with the campaign. The victory over racial preferences could not have been achieved without their initiative and hard work. An incomplete list of some of the most active volunteers appears below.
 
Maggie B., Peter Cheng, Grace C., Selena C., Cheney G., Tony G., Emily H., Mary H., Quan H., Echo H., Helen H., John H., Stella H., Cheney G., Susan G., Vibhas I., Zhi J., Judith J., Raymond K., Deborah Lantang, Ava L., Yan L., Henry L., Chuanhua L., Linda L., Sophia L., Yuki L., Luke Rodriguez, Ric S., Deepak Sharma, Yu S., Clarissa Suwoko, Sylvia T., Adrian W., Lisha W., Sam X., Jason X., Ruofei Y., Yang Y., Michael Y., Xiaofeng Y., and Kevin Y., Jannie Z.                 
                    
Organizations
 
For a list of organizations that supported the NO on Prop 16 campaign, please visit https://californiansforequalrights.org/our-coalition/. Special thanks go to Students for Fair Admissions, which contributed $50,000 to the campaign and was its largest donor.