The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) led nearly 750 organizations and members of the scholar, scientific, and research community from at least 40 states and the District of Columbia in issuing a letter, featured in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), expressing grave concern over whether appropriate process was followed by Indiana University (IU) in their termination of tenured Professor XiaoFeng Wang.
The letter requested the reinstatement of Professor Wang and for IU to grant him his due process rights and the opportunity to defend himself. We are concerned about whether the University’s due process policies were fully observed in the termination, including the requirement for notice and a hearing before the Faculty Board of Review, under University Policy ACA-52.
The letter, which gathered significant support from scholars, scientists, and researchers nationwide, is a testament to the nationwide impact of this case on the broader community. The collective response comes at a time of heightened anxiety within the research community, especially in light of recent discussions around a potential return of the U.S. Department of Justice’s China Initiative. The letter reaffirms a united stance: due process and fairness must be upheld regardless of background.
Statement from AASF Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa:
“The termination of a tenured faculty member, possibly without following due process, not only threatens the integrity of academic freedom but creates a chilling effect throughout the research community. Professor Wang’s case underscores deep concerns about fairness and transparency in how universities handle due process and their treatment of their faculty, especially in the current climate of increased unjust scrutiny of scholars, scientists, and researchers of Asian heritage, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
This not only concerns scholars directly impacted, but also their family members. We are deeply concerned by the treatment of Professor Wang’s wife, Nianli Ma, who was also terminated from her position at Indiana University. This raises alarming questions about the broader consequences for family members of scholars and the potential retaliation they may face.
In addition to calling for reinstatement, the letter provides broader context from the Asian American and broader research communities. This moment echoes the fears and patterns of the now-defunct China Initiative, where scholars were scrutinized for minor paperwork errors or no wrongdoing at all. In Professor Wang’s case, the university’s allegations reportedly involve a grant that does not even belong to him—raising serious questions about the basis and fairness of these actions.
It is critical for the scholarly community to stand together at this moment.
The implications of this case extend far beyond one university. If we do not make a stand now, then we allow for a precedent that leaves the broader research community vulnerable. This case is not just about one person, but about all scholars and the rights that you are guaranteed.
We cannot take a step backwards to the times under the China Initiative, where scholars were scapegoated and vilified. We should be creating a welcoming and fair environment that fosters talents critical to U.S. research and innovation. This environment depends on appropriate processes and safeguards that ultimately benefit faculty, universities, and our country as a whole.”
As part of this effort, AASF hosted a “State of Play” Virtual Town Hall on Monday, April 14, 2025. The event featured Professor Wang’s wife, Nianli Ma, who shared firsthand the personal and professional challenges facing their family: “I just can’t understand how the university to which we dedicated over two decades of our lives could treat us like this without even telling us why or going through due process…it hurts deeply that a country we trusted and contributed to for so long now treats us like criminals.”
Scholars and policy experts also discussed the growing legislative and administrative pressures impacting researchers nationwide. “The investigations on Professor Wang and his firing created a huge fear among researchers of Chinese descent, from professors to students and postdocs. It is clear that such events, together with the legislation and the hostile rhetoric, are driving out talents and deterring them from coming…I’m proud that AASF is voicing the concerns of the scholar community,” said Professor Gang Chen.
Since the webinar, Wired Magazine and Indiana Public Media have joined international media to share Nianli’s story and plea for justice for her family. The Wall Street Journal has already included the letter and drawn on AASF’s previous report, Caught in the crossfire: Fears of Chinese–American scientists, for an article on Professor Wang’s case and the concerns of many Chinese scientists and researchers in America.
AASF continues to advocate for policies that support fairness, transparency, and innovation in the U.S. research.
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Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a nonprofit organization promoting belonging, 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.
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