FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dawn Crawford, media@aasforum.org, 720-231-1930
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) applauds a major legal victory in the case of Yin v. Diaz, as the Magistrate Judge recommended issuing a preliminary injunction against Florida Senate Bill 846 (SB 846), a bill restricting students coming from seven countries. This recommendation, expected to be adopted by the District Court Judge, will prohibit Florida universities from discriminating against international students from these countries, including China and Iran—a critical step toward safeguarding academic freedom, education, and equal protection under the law.
AASF played a pivotal role in this landmark case by securing a pro bono legal team from Perkins Coie LLP, working in coordination with attorneys at ACLU of Florida & CALDA, leading national advocacy efforts, and supporting local professors and organizations by providing critical support, such as advocacy expertise and media support.
This victory reflects the community’s perseverance against this discriminatory law. In early 2024, nearly 25 local organizations rallied to challenge SB 846, with the Florida Chinese Faculty Association (FCFA) as the hosting organization. AASF led national groups such as ACLU of Florida, United Chinese Americans (UCA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, and APA Justice in support of and in collaboration with local rally leaders, organizers, professors, and students to oppose the bill at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
“This victory is not just a win for the plaintiffs but for the broader Asian American scholar community in Florida and across the country. It reflects the power of collective advocacy and legal action in confronting discriminatory laws and policies,” said Gisela Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “AASF remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Asian American scientists, researchers, and scholars whether it be through community organizing, legal advocacy, or policy work. Our efforts to organize were not in vain and we are extremely grateful to the legal team and local leaders in Florida who held their ground and stood for what is right.”
Professor Kai Li, Vice President of the Asian American Scholar Forum, added, “Our universities have long been magnets for the world’s brightest talents. Disrupting this pipeline risks undermining U.S. leadership in science and technology. This decision shows that when national organizations join forces with local leaders, transformative change is achievable.”
“SB 846 threatened not only individual students and scholars but the very foundation of scientific collaboration and academic excellence,” stated Professor Yasheng Huang, President of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “This decision is critical in ensuring that talent and potential are never limited by nationality or origin.”
About Yin v. Diaz
Filed on March 25, 2024, Yin v. Diaz challenges the constitutionality of SB 846, a Florida law restricting public universities from partnering with or hiring individuals from certain countries, including China. The plaintiffs include two Chinese doctoral students at Florida International University (FIU) and a professor at the University of Florida (UF), represented by the ACLU of Florida, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), and Perkins Coie LLP, in coordination with the Asian American Scholar Forum (formerly the Chinese American Scholar Forum).
Read AASF’s Content on the Yin vs Diaz Case
###
Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes academic belonging, openness, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.
AASF Social Media