The Committee of 100 Opposes SCA-5, Calls for Constructive Dialogue
(New York, NY-March 13, 2014)– The Committee of 100, a group of Chinese American leaders, opposes SCA-5 and issues the statement below.
The recent passage of California Senate Constitutional Amendment No. 5 (SCA-5) in the California State Senate has sparked public outcry among many in the Asian American community. There is widespread fear that if the State Assembly adopts and voters approve SCA-5, race will become part of the consideration for admission to public universities, and Asian American students will face discrimination. The Committee of 100, an organization of prominent Chinese Americans, recognizes the anxiety in the community and shares its concern.
The Committee of 100 opposes SCA-5 because the amendment is vague, overly broad, and subject to varying interpretations. It allows race to be considered in public higher education but offers no clear guidelines as to how it should be applied, and provides no safeguards against misuse. When a subject as sensitive as race is involved in a public policy decision, it is incumbent upon lawmakers to take greater care and consideration, and to be more precise.
Providing the best possible education for the next generation is an essential part of the American dream for Asian American communities and every other ethnic community in our great nation. Many immigrants make major sacrifices so that their children can have the best educational opportunities. Such opportunities are possible because of the American principle of equal treatment across all racial groups. The Committee of 100 opposes any racial discrimination that would diminish educational opportunities for Asian Americans and undermine the fundamental principle of equal treatment for all.
C-100 believes that diverse student bodies in American higher education enrich everyone’s educational experience and are vital to the future of this country. Making the best education available to the next generation is a shared priority among all racial groups. Properly designed and implemented programs to ensure diversity within higher education will help, not harm, Asian Americans. The Committee of 100 believes that the current emotional debate needs to be elevated so that different minority groups are not pitted against one another. Balancing the above core American values in this discussion requires more thoughtful leadership. The Committee of 100 therefore urges the State Legislature to withdraw the flawed SCA-5 from consideration, and to engage all stakeholders in a constructive dialogue so that the American dream of educational equal opportunity can be available to all.
The Committee of 100 is an international non-partisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and the arts. For over 20 years, the Committee has been committed to a dual mission of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all fields of American life, and encouraging constructive relations between the peoples of the United States and Greater China.
www.committee100.org
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Contact: Ping An, Director of Public Relations
ping_an@committee100.org or 212-371-6565