Asian American Civil Rights Groups Applaud Exclusion of Harmful Amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023

Asian American Civil Rights Groups Applaud Exclusion of Harmful Amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023

 

Anti-Asian and Anti-Immigrant Senate Amendment Successfully Rejected

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Asian American civil rights groups applaud the exclusion of Senate Amendment #5810, the Safeguarding American Innovation Act, from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY23. Introduced by Senator Rob Portman, this amendment would have had long standing impacts and ramifications for the broader Asian American and immigrant communities, particularly those of Chinese descent. If included, this amendment would have criminalized disclosures on federal grant applications and subjected immigrants, scientists, researchers and their families to imprisonment, steep civil fines, immigrant visa restrictions, and enduring damage.

 

A coalition of Asian American organizations including Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus), Asian American Federal Employees for Nondiscrimination (AAFEN), APA Justice, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, and United Chinese Americans (UCA) took action to oppose this amendment and object to its inclusion in the NDAA or any other future legislation.

 

Supported by dozens of other immigrant rights groups, Asian American advocates, and professional organizations, the coalition submitted a formal letter to the offices of House Speaker Pelosi, House Minority Leader McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader McConnell.

 

“We commend the exclusion of this harmful amendment to the proposed NDAA. If adopted, the bill would have perpetuated further harm against the Asian American and immigrant community at a time when systemic racism, and anti-Asian hate are still prevalent in our society,” said John C. Yang, the President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Even now, Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars, particularly of Chinese descent, face unjust investigations and prosecutions. Advancing Justice – AAJC vows to remain vigilant against all forms of racial profiling, surveillance, and overcriminalization of issues related to research integrity and national security.”

 

Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of AASF said, “We are very pleased that Congress listened to the concerns from our communities and did not include this harmful amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act. By opposing this amendment, Asian American Scholar Forum sought to provide a voice to the many academics, researchers, and scholars who reached out to us concerned about the consequences of this amendment on the scientific and academic community, particularly Asian Americans and immigrants. The amendment would have further criminalized Asian Americans and immigrants in this country who are living in fear of retaliation and scapegoating as they try to simply do their jobs and participate in routine academic activities at their institutions. AASF captured these fears in a report that shows that a growing number of Chinese American academics have left the U.S. as a result of fear of conducting routine research and academic activities in the current environment. Our communities should not have to live with the worry of being discriminated against and we all must work toward a more inclusive environment for all.”

 

"Following a surge of community advocacy and concern, the Justice Department announced an end to the controversial China Initiative in February, an important step to ending the profiling of Asians, Asian Americans, and immigrants on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, and religion,” said Hammad Alam, Staff Attorney and National Security & Civil Rights Program Manager at Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus. “In the NDAA or any other legislation, Congress should continue to reject any harmful language that would deny admission or revoke visas of Chinese nationals and others based on innuendo, bad information, and racial targeting. Such language would not only prevent the DOJ from dismantling the initiative but also reestablish its harmful and biased tactics. We're calling on members of Congress to continue to reject any legislative language that subjects Asian American communities to discrimination and profiling that only serves to increase our lived experiences of racism and hate violence.”

 

"We are relieved that the ill-advised Portman Amendment 5810 failed to be added to the FY 2023 NDAA. It would have targeted persons based on race and national origin, especially scientists of Asian descent and specifically Chinese origin. The amendment would irreparably harm American leadership in science and technology." said Dr. Jeremy Wu, Co-organizer of Asian Pacific American Justice Task Force.

 

Gregg Orton, National Director of NCAPA stated, “As a coalition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) organizations, who have been advocating to combat anti-Asian hate and xenophobia, we commend the work that was done to ensure this harmful amendment was not included in the NDAA. Congress got it right in this case that U.S. China policy must be carefully considered and not result in driving narratives that put targets on the backs of Asian Americans.”

 

"Harmful rhetoric that demonizes groups of people by race and ethnicity does not advance our national security interests,” said Linda Ng, OCA National President. “We can do better as we face the real challenges in the national security realm." 

 

"United Chinese Americans represents thousands of Chinese Americans across the country who have faced rising hate over the past decade, heightened scrutiny, and unjust prosecutions in our own country. Although we commend that this harmful amendment was not included in the NDAA, we remain deeply concerned with the ongoing criminalization of Chinese Americans and immigrants that is exemplified in attempts by those in power to legislate provisions that would result in racial bias and bigotry against Chinese American communities. For far too long the burden for change and prevention of these harmful provisions have been on our shoulders. We call on our policymakers and allies to fight against anti-Chinese sentiment and hate against our communities in all its various forms and iterations," said Haipei Shue, President of UCA.

 

Review the letter to Congressional leadership here.

 

Learn more about the end of the China Initiative here.

 

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Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. Advancing Justice – AAJC launched the Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights and National Security program, formerly known as the Anti-Racial Profiling Project, to combat profiling and protect the rights of Asian Americans and immigrants through policy advocacy, legal referrals, coalition building, and education for policymakers, the media, and the general public.

Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) promotes academic belonging, openness, freedom, and equality for all and represents more than 7,000 scientists, researchers, and scholars in the U.S.. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S. and increasing profiling of Chinese Americans and immigrants in science, AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars.            

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (ALC) was founded in 1972 as the nation’s first legal and civil rights organization focusing on the needs of low-income, immigrant and underserved Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Recognizing that social, economic, political, and racial inequalities continue to exist in the United States, ALC is committed to the pursuit of equality and justice for all sectors of our society. ALC’s National Security and Civil Rights Program defends communities against unjust national security policies that profile and criminalize families, students, and neighbors, deny people citizenship, educational, and work opportunities, and keep families apart.

 

Asian Pacific American Justice Task Force (APA Justice) is a non-profit, non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community.

 

Based in Washington, D.C., the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans is a coalition of thirty-eight national Asian Pacific American organizations that represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities and to provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns.

 

OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates embraces the hopes and aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States, with 30 chapters with national headquarters in Washington, DC.

 

United Chinese Americans (UCA) is a community wide coalition dedicated to the empowering and enriching of Chinese Americans.

AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION TO PROTECT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

 AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION TO PROTECT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE 

Brief Supports Transgender Individuals Denied Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care Under West Virginia’s State Medicaid Program

 

            BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in filing a brief in support of transgender individuals unable to obtain coverage for gender-affirming care under West Virginia’s State Medicaid Program.

 

The brief, filed Wednesday in the case, Fain v. Crouch, argues that the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals should affirm a lower court ruling which determined that the West Virginia State Medicaid Program’s denial of medically necessary, gender-affirming care for transgender individuals violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The states note that Supreme Court rulings have found that discrimination against transgender individuals is discrimination based on sex and therefore a violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

 

“Discriminatory policies like this one deny vulnerable residents lifesaving care,” AG Healey said. “We are calling on the Court to recognize that gender-affirming care is essential health care and to remove this barrier for transgender individuals.”

 

The amicus brief notes the efforts that states joining the filing have made to protect transgender healthcare rights, including prohibiting health care discrimination on the basis of transgender identity and adopting policies that ensure their transgender residents have access to gender-affirming care. These policies have improved the well-being of transgender people, and reduced the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and depression, without meaningfully increasing premium costs or expenses to insurers and plan sponsors.  

The brief is a continuation of AG Healey’s ongoing advocacy for the equal rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. In October, AG Healey joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of transgender individuals and parents of transgender individuals denied coverage for gender-affirming care under the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. In January, she joined an amicus brief opposing an Arkansas law that prohibits healthcare professionals from providing transgender teenagers with medically necessary care. In August, AG Healey joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a brief in support of a 13-year-old Indiana transgender boy who is suing his school district for gender identity discrimination. Also in August, the AG joined a brief opposing an Alabama law criminalizing evidence-based and medically accepted gender-affirming care for transgender young people. In 2017 she joined a similar amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court in support of a transgender student suing his school in Gloucester County, Virginia. In 2016, AG Healey worked closely with advocates, the business community, and transgender families to successfully garner support for the passage of an amendment to Massachusetts’ Public Accommodations Law protecting against discrimination on the basis of gender identity.  

            Joining AG Healey in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.  

麻州政府宣佈撥款9300萬元在14個社區蓋790戶房屋

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $93 Million to Build 790 Housing Units in 14 Communities

Roundtable Discussion Featured Local Officials, Advocates, and Developers Discussing Housing Progress During Past Eight Years

HAVERHILL – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $93.4 million in direct funding and $33 million in state and federal housing tax credits to support the development of 790 housing units across 14 projects at an event in Haverhill that featured a roundtable discussion about efforts during the Baker-Polito Administration to increase housing production in Massachusetts and opportunities ahead. Participants in the roundtable included Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox, as well as state legislators and representatives from quasi-public agencies, housing advocacy organizations, and housing developers. Since 2015, through state and federal housing tax credits, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested more than $1.5 billion in the affordable housing ecosystem, resulting in the production and preservation of more than 24,000 housing units, including approximately 21,000 affordable units. “Our Administration has made it a priority to create adequate housing to support our economy and families since day one,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We have been proud to make record investments to build and preserve tens of thousands of housing units as well as champion zoning reforms in partnership with local leaders to better position cities and towns to advance housing in their communities.” “Whether it’s seniors looking to downsize or young couples looking for their first home, in our travels across the Commonwealth we heard from countless residents and local leaders describing the need for more – and more affordable – housing options in their communities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Through various state programs and through the creation of the Community One Stop for Growth single application portal, we have made it easier for communities to access state programs that would allow them to invest in housing.” “Confronting Massachusetts’ housing shortage will help lower costs, reducing financial pressure on families, alleviating homelessness, and strengthening the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness among other states,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “The Baker-Polito Administration has championed housing production from the very start. We are so grateful for our partners in the legislature and at the local level who shared this commitment as well for the many housing advocates and developers who rolled up their sleeves to help drive this work forward.” The Department of Housing and Community Development provides a combination of direct subsidies, state and federal tax credits, and other resources to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing through multiple funding rounds each year. Today’s awards include $29.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and include housing for seniors, families, and individuals. In 2015, DHCD supported one funding round each year. With additional resources, the administration increased frequency to support multiple funding rounds per year to expand the pipeline and fund projects more quickly. “We know stable, affordable housing is a cornerstone for healthy communities and families, and we are proud to work with incredible advocates, developers, partners in the legislature, and housing organizations to increase the amount of affordable housing in Massachusetts,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “Here in Haverhill, we can see how new housing invigorates neighborhoods and supports local downtowns. In partnership with our quasi-state agencies, MassHousing, CEDAC, and Massachusetts Housing Partnership, we are eager to work with municipalities to leverage our state and federal resources, new zoning reforms, and increased local momentum for new housing and amenities.” “The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes that funding for affordable housing is only effective if we eliminate local barriers to the development of new housing,” said Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) Executive Director Clark Ziegler, who moderated today’s roundtable discussion. “Their actions and support of legislation like Housing Choice and the state’s new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities are long-lasting achievements that will set the stage for housing investments for years to come.” The Baker-Polito Administration has shown a deep commitment to increasing the production of housing across all income levels. In 2018, Governor Baker signed the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history, authorizing more than $1.8 billion to the future of affordable housing production and preservation. The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, and partner agencies including MassHousing, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, and Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) have used a historic level of state and federal funding to create new programs and amend or expand existing programs to ensure housing stability and to create more housing opportunities, including new homeownership programs CommonWealth Builder and MassDREAMS. From late 2017 through early 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration carried out a multi-year effort to better enable municipalities to adopt the zoning measures needed to meet the state’s housing needs. In 2021, Governor Baker signed into law an economic development bill that included the Housing Choice zoning reforms that allow cities and towns to adopt zoning best practices related to housing production by a simple majority vote. These targeted amendments to the state’s zoning act reduced the threshold of votes needed to adopt housing supportive zoning measures from a supermajority to a simple majority. Prior to this historic change in law, Massachusetts was among the few remaining states to require a supermajority to change local zoning. The legislation also included a requirement for MBTA Communities to have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multifamily housing is permitted as of right to encourage transit-oriented housing. The Baker-Polito Administration issued draft guidelines in December 2021 and subsequently engaged in a robust public process through March 2022. On August 10, 2022, the Administration issued final guidelines to determine compliance with the new law. The guidelines and other resources, including a recently released compliance model, are available on the state’s dedicated website. In November 2022, Governor Baker signed into law an economic development bill that included over $400 million in various housing-related initiatives to support the production of more affordable housing and promote more homeownership opportunities. The bill also includes reforms to the state’s Starter Home Zoning Incentive Program with the designed goal to increase homeownership opportunities by encouraging the production of smaller and more affordable single-family homes. The bill also included several statutory amendments pertaining to public housing with the desired goal to better enable local housing authorities to address capital projects. Governor Baker proposed these changes in multiple bills over the past legislative sessions prior to this breakthrough. Last year, the Baker-Polito Administration put forth a $1 billion housing proposal aimed at dedicating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for homeownership and affordable housing production. The final bill signed into law in December 2021 included nearly $600 million for housing initiatives. Programs including the Housing Development Incentive Program and MassHousing’s Workforce Housing Fund have also advanced more than 8,000 new market-rate and middle-income units. Additionally, since taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded MassWorks grants totaling over $709 million for public infrastructure projects throughout the state, which have directly supported the creation of over 26,000 new housing units. Awarded Projects McManus Manor (Acton) is a new construction project for seniors. The sponsor is the nonprofit Acton Housing Authority. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidies, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Town of Acton also will provide local funding. Designed to Passive House certification standards, McManus Manor will offer 41 total units, all of which will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Eleven units will be further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The sponsor will provide supportive services to the new residents of the completed project. 1201 River Street (Boston) is a new construction project for seniors located in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The sponsor is the nonprofit B’nai B’rith. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will support the project with local funding. Designed to Passive House certification standards, the completed project will offer 63 total units. All units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 18 units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The sponsor will offer supportive services to the new residents of the completed project. Cape View Way (Bourne) is a new construction project. The nonprofit cosponsors are Housing Assistance Corporation and Preservation of Affordable Housing. DHCD will support the project, permitted through Chapter 40B, with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Cape Cod Consortium also is expected to provide additional local funding for the project. Designed to Passive House certification standards, the completed project will offer 42 total units. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. 62 Packard (Hudson) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Hudson will support the project with local funding. The project includes a multifamily building designed to Passive House certification standards as well as townhouses. When completed, 62 Packard will offer 40 total units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 13 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court (Methuen) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit YWCA of Greater Newburyport. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Methuen will provide local funding in support of YWCA Residences. When completed, the project will offer 48 total units. All 48 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. 10 at 8th Street (New Bedford) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Alinea Capital Partners. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of New Bedford will support the project with local funding. When completed, 10 at 8th Street will offer 52 new units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Amethyst Brook Apartments (Pelham) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit Home City Development, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Town of Pelham will support the project with local funding. When completed, Amethyst Brook Apartments will offer 34 total units, all will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 11 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. White Terrace (Pittsfield) is a historic rehabilitation project. Three properties, which are significantly deteriorated, will be fully rehabilitated as housing by Regan Development Corporation. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Pittsfield will support the project with local funding. When completed, White Terrace will offer 41 fully rehabilitated units. All 41 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Salem Schools (Salem) is a historic adaptive re-use project. Two vacant school buildings will be fully rehabilitated as senior housing by the nonprofit sponsor, North Shore Community Development Coalition. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Salem will support the project with local funding. When completed, Salem Schools will feature 61 total units. Fifty-six units will be affordable to senior households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for senior households earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The sponsor will also provide supportive services to the new residents of Salem Schools. Pointe Hills Farm (Shrewsbury) is a new construction project. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. DHCD will support project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Town of Shrewsbury will support the project with local funding. The project will be designed to Passive House certification standards. Pointe Hills Farm will offer 93 total units. Fifty-six units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 13 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Elm Place (Swampscott) is a new construction transit-oriented project. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Swampscott will support the project with local funding. When construction is completed, Elm Place will offer 114 total units. Seventy-eight units will be affordable to individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for individuals or families earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Cloverleaf (Truro) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Community Housing Resource, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Truro will support the project with significant local funding. When completed, Cloverleaf will offer 39 total units. Twenty-five units will be affordable to individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with six units further restricted for individuals or families earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Leland House (Waltham) is a new construction project for seniors. The nonprofit sponsor is 2Life Communities. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Waltham will support the project with significant local funding. When completed, Leland House will offer 68 total units for seniors.  Sixty‑six units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 17 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The sponsor, 2Life Communities, will provide support services to the new residents of Leland House. RiverLofts at Cable Mills (Williamstown) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Mitchell Properties, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Williamstown will support the project with local funding. When completed, RiverLofts will offer 54 total units. Twenty-seven units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.

AG HEALEY, EDUCATION LEADERS, AND BOSTON SPORTS TEAMS HOLD CONFERENCE AT TD GARDEN ON PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING HATE IN SCHOOL SPORTS

 AG HEALEY, EDUCATION LEADERS, AND BOSTON SPORTS TEAMS HOLD CONFERENCE AT TD GARDEN ON PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING HATE IN SCHOOL SPORTS  

School Administrators, Athletic Directors, Staff, Coaches and Referees from Across the State Learn Best Practices for Building a Healthy and Inclusive Culture in School Sports    

            BOSTON – As part of a new collaborative effort to prevent and address hate and bias in school sports, Attorney General Maura Healey partnered with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association (MSAA) in hosting a conference called “Addressing Hate in School Sports” which provided school administrators, athletic directors and staff, coaches, and referees from across the state with programming and information on best practices to build positive environments and prevent, report, and address hate incidents. 

The day-long conference, held today at TD Garden, was planned in collaboration with Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society, ADL New England, and other community organizations, and featured representatives from the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Pride, Boston Renegades, and the New England Revolution. A keynote speech was delivered by Boston Celtics Legend Dana Barros.   

“As a former student athlete and coach, I know that sports can be a powerful unifier,” said AG Healey. “Today, we brought together coaches, athletic directors, and educators who are committed to ensuring that young people can participate in school sports in a safe and inclusive environment. I am grateful to all our community partners in this collaborative effort and look forward seeing these best practices put to work.”   

Recognizing the power of sports to drive social change, and in response to a rise in reported hate-based and hazing incidents across Massachusetts, the conference is part of an initiative the AG’s Office launched with educational organizations earlier this year during a virtual call-to-action.    

“Sports are an important piece of school life, whether you’re an athlete or sitting in the stands,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “Sports teams and events should be places where everyone feels welcome and respected, and I hope that this conference will empower schools and athletic officials to build a more positive culture for our students.”  

“There is no place for hate in our society, and our school athletic programs have an obligation to set those standards and expectations,” said Dianne Kelly, Revere Public School Superintendent and President of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. “The Addressing Hate in School Sports Conference brings superintendents, principals, athletic directors and coaches together focused on the goal of creating the individual and team culture that supports the diversity of our collective communities.”   

“MIAA and MSAA are committed to providing the support and resources our members need to promote behaviors that instill respect for self, team, opponents, officials, rules and the game itself,” said Robert Baldwin, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association. “We are excited to be working with the Attorney General’s Office and other partners to utilize the collective power of positive influence to help student athletes and teacher-coaches serve as role models to empower ALL participants in the process of positive decision making. When teacher-coaches, student athletes, and game officials choose the privilege of participating in interscholastic athletics, they assume the responsibility for right action.”   

Today’s event provided attendees with information from panelists on how to recognize bias and hate, learn best practices, hear experiences and lessons from school and athletic leaders in preventing and addressing hate, and ways for coaches, athletic staff, and organizations to build positive and inclusive environments.

Following today’s event, regional trainings across the state will be conducted in 2023 by Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society to provide more in-depth training and equip school and athletic program leaders with the tools they need to empower and support their students and to prevent and address hate.  

For more information on the AG’s initiative on addressing hate and bias in sports and to sign your school up for upcoming programs and trainings, click here.  

Today’s conference was made possible in part by Director of Strategic Initiatives Elise Yannett, Civil Rights Division Chief Abigail Taylor, Children’s Justice Unit Director Liza Hirsch, Advance Coordinator Katherine McGee, and Executive Bureau Assistant Sage Scott, all of the Attorney General’s Office.  

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Statements of support   

Dan Lebowitz, Executive Director of The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University 

“The Addressing Hate in School Sports Conference is an empowering, intentional, and multi-intersectional gathering of government leaders, school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, staff, university partners, non-profits and other committed stakeholders, each fully vested in creating a sustainable culture of safety for high school youth, and similarly, for all those in, and tangent to, their communities, both on the playing field and beyond. The conference is the beginning of a large-scale initiative, including 12 regional trainings, that will allow schools statewide to engage in facilitated conversations that help ideate, innovate, and implement how we can move beyond a present, too often typified by hate and hurt, to a future that is monument to health and healing, and that further provides a pathway to becoming the best versions of our individual and collective selves. We, at the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern, applaud Attorney General and Governor Elect, Maura Healey, for her unwavering commitment to the youth, families and communities of the Commonwealth. We remain grateful for her thoughtful leadership and forefront vision in creating this important participatory platform of positive change agency and sustainable change. Additionally, we’d like to thank the devoted staff of the AGO and all the other partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event and initiative both possible and a top priority.”  

Phil Fogelman, ADL New England Education Director 

“Over the past few years, ADL has responded to countless incidents of antisemitism, racism, and bigotry in middle and high school sports programs. It is time to go from responding to preventing. We are grateful to AG Healey’s leadership for convening this important conference and empowering coaches and administrators with the strategies and tools to be able to prevent and respond to bias incidents and the skills to foster healing and education in their communities in the aftermath. Everyone has the right to play without any fear of being targeted with hate or bias.”  

Boston Bruins and TD Garden 

“We are lucky to live in a sports city with teams that understand the significant power and influence of their platforms and work so closely together on important initiatives despite being competitors in our market. At the Bruins we continue to make our Hockey is For Everyone work a priority by providing educational resources and fostering inclusivity to drive out hate in sports. This work is ongoing as we strive to be the best we can be on and off the ice. Thank you to AG Healey and her office for putting together this great event.”  

Rich Gotham, Boston Celtics Team President  

“The great Bill Russell once said there is no such thing as other people’s children. We all have the responsibility to ensure that kids coming up are afforded the right to learn and play sports in an environment free of hate and discrimination. The Celtics are committed to doing our part and applaud the Attorney General’s office for launching this initiative.”  

Sarah McKenna, Senior Vice President, Fan Services & Entertainment, Boston Red Sox 

“The Boston Red Sox are proud to engage with the Attorney General’s office and with Massachusetts school administrators, athletic directors, and educators on the crucial topic of addressing hate in school sports. Professional sports clubs like ours have a powerful platform with the capacity to reach millions, and the Red Sox are committed to using ours to promote respect, unity, and inclusion, and to provide a safe and welcoming experience for all. A conference like todays, and the regional trainings that will follow, will allow attendees and their colleagues to use their platforms in their own communities. We thank Attorney General Healey and her office for the opportunity to join all of Boston’s professional sports teams to share this message.”  

New England Patriots and New England Revolution 

“Congratulations to the co-hosts and organizers of today’s conference. Addressing hate, in any form at any level, is critical to eradicating it. There are few things that bring communities together quite like the communal bond shared through sports. Whether as a spectator or participant, sports have a unique unifying power. We hope all participants learn the importance of embracing differences, supporting one another, and working together to achieve success. The values learned through the lessons of teamwork at a young age can propel you to achieve great things in life. We applaud all who use their sports platform to contribute to a team and make those around them better.”  

Molly Goodwin, Owner of the Boston Renegades 

“At our core, the Boston Renegades are committed to fostering an inclusive sports environment where women of all backgrounds can thrive. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to play sports in a way that fosters growth. It is incredible to see the collaboration between state leaders, professional sports teams, school administrators and coaches, working together to ensure that the youth of Massachusetts have a positive sports experience. Together, we must take a stand against hate and continue to use sports as a platform that unites communities. We’d like to thank Maura Healey and the Attorney General’s Office for their support of women’s professional athletics and their commitment to prevent and address hate and bias incidents. Our collaboration with the AG’s Office and the city’s educational institutions promotes a positive and inclusive sports environment at all levels. We recognize the power of sports to drive social change, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.”  

Colleen Coyne, President of the Boston Pride 

“As someone who grew up loving sports and as a parent of youth athletes, I believe this type of event is critical. Sports are supposed to be a safe place for kids to go to continue to learn and develop into well-rounded citizens. It is crucial that the leaders in our schools have the training and tools they need to ensure every athlete has the best possible experience. I am honored to be a part of today’s conference.” 

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON – This week, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court.

 

“With the addition of Attorney Kareem A. Morgan, Massachusetts will receive a well-suited candidate for the judiciary,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to submit his nomination to the Governor’s Council.”

 

“Attorney Kareem A. Morgan possesses years of experience in public service that make him a well-qualified candidate for the District Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Kareem A. Morgan

 

Attorney Kareem A. Morgan began his legal career as a trial attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS). He worked for CPCS for five years, representing defendants in both Brockton and Lowell District Courts. In 2011 he was promoted to supervising attorney and oversaw a staff of eight defense attorneys. Since 2013, Attorney Morgan has operated as a senior counsel for Sandulli Grace, P.C. in Boston. Attorney Morgan received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 2004 and his juris doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2008.