More Profs/Profnl's Spoke Up

A supporter emailed 80-20 relating his court experience, ". . . not always focused on the discrimination as such but on esoteric you need to point out that the legal challenges are personal issues which have nothing to do with the case."

He continued, "The companies play dirty and are nothing like the ethical, honorable companies that they represent themselves to be. It is about war and the only thing is winning for the company and their legal team. The companies have the upper hand. They have unlimited resources to throw at the case. They can unleash 10 or more lawyers and other people (investigators) on the case and you have one or two attorneys on contingency with limited money in the bank and 20 other cases to work on. . . . .H. Lum"

Want to go through that gauntlet? 80-20 offers a choice. Read below.

THEN & NOW:

Time WAS when the only way Asian Ams can fight back, when we have suffered the most blatant discrimination in our workplaces, was to go to court. But everyone knows that going to court is
1) time consuming,
2) money consuming, and
3) extremely humiliating, when your employer's lawyers will dig up anything you've ever done that APPEARS wrong to muddle the case, and make you seem the most incompetent/irresponsible employee in the entire company.

For most Asian Ams., it is like NO RECOURSE at all.

Time IS that 80-20 strategically perceived that the accumulated suffering of numerous Asian Ams had resulted in
1) irrefutable statistical evidence of the glass ceiling,
2) which can be shattered easily and painlessly by the enforcement of Exec. Order 11246, done for all Americans except for us, and
3) has already obtained President Obama's promise to enforce Exec. Order 11246 for us.

The enforcement of E.O. 11246 is based on STATISTICAL evidence. The Labor Dept. would write a university/industry asking why are there so few Asian Am. managers but so many workers? It'll ask for a written plan with specific goals to remedy the situation next year, OR have all its federal contracts terminated. It worked like magic for blacks/women/Hispanics in the past. So it should work for us.

So sacrifice* $35/$50 or more to join 80-20, because 80-20 offers you a faster and much less painful way to become EQUAL CITIZENS. Be cool. Be a pioneer. Be on the frontier ad 51d vancing our rightful interests.

Using a credit card, go http://www.80-20initiative.net . Or send your check to 80-20 PAC, PO Box 22509, Philadelphia, PA 19110. We love NEW members, since there is a matching fund for new members.

Best Regards,

S.B. Woo
Acting Exec. Director (a volunteer), 80-20PAC. Inc.

*The Asian Am community used to pay attention to Asian Ams with impressive government titles ONLY, whether they've helped or hurt our community. However, we are politically more mature now. We now value deeds. Although I don't deserve the honor, Asianweek, for one day, named me, "Chinese American hero: S. B. Woo" 
 If interested, visit http://www.asianweek.com/2009/06/23/chinese-american-hero-SB-Woo

Please view my profile on LinkedIn.com and join my network there. Visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/sbwoo.

Asian Am. Profs. Spoke Up in Response to 80-20

In response to 80-20's e-newsletter "Speak up, AsAm Professors," many did. 2 sad stories are shared. We have Asian Ams early in their careers in mind - know the real world, before too late. Under (3), 80-20 explains how it'll win equal opportunity for Asian Ams. - indeed soon, if we'll each do our share.

(1) Sharing My Painful Experience--Speaking Up

The glass ceiling is hard to prove because the hiring agency will always find something to defend why someone was not hired. Here, I may be showing you a few examples.

Last year I was among the final two candidates interviewed for two senior public health positions with the same federal agency. For one position, the agency hired an in-house female staff who had agency specific experience but had only a MPH as academic credentials even though the expectation was for a PhD, which I had. The second case involved a more grueling process where I passed an interview with an expert panel drawn from other federal agencies; and then flown in for a face-to-face interview. Again, I was passed for a female staff from another federal office (who was a disgruntled former worker who had left the agency a few years earlier and was aspiring to come back under the new director.) One panel interviewer anonymously shared with me that I was the top pick of the panel. Interestingly, the selected candidate was an African American lady and one of the top hiring executives was also an African American lady. Specifically in this case, I suspect discrimination since I brought state level pragmatism and substantive experience that were expected of the job but the other candidate lacked even though she was a good researcher.

I was also seriously vested the third time with the same agency where I was among three finalists but was not invited for an interview. I am glad they did not because they would not have taken me and hence spared me the agony. Interestingly though, the seriously considered candidate was a Chinese American who, based on the inside scoop, was a prolific scientist. He was allegedly not hired for two reasons: (a) doctorate degree outside the US; and (b) not very articulate in spoken English.

Despite an agonizing 10 months ordeal and impending frustrations, I will continue to try since not doing so would allow such practices go unchallenged. To me, the fact that many of Asian Americans had to be twice as qualified, twice smarter, speak English proficiently and with almost impeccable accent, and be the unique minority professional is simply intriguing. Equally sad is the reality how easily we are shortchanged for someone who is less qualified.

(2) From a Math Prof. who took his case to court

I have had the bitter taste of it and fought against it in court. My case had so much merits that an organization of professionals supported me with legal services including that of an attorney. …. I lost the case in a federal court. Nevertheless, I am happy that I did what I had to do. . . . . . .

I have a couple of suggestions to 80-20.

1. Form a committee to make a list of undesirable colleges/institutions for Asians to work there, it functions sort of like Better Business Bureau.

2. Provide legal services on a contingency basis pending evaluation on merits. Asians need Asian lawyers who are compassionate about discrimination against Asians. (80-20 is indeed working on a partnership with a well-known Asian Am. Legal Center for the said purpose.)

(3) 80-20's Program to Win Equal Opportunity For Asian Ams.

Subtle discriminations are very hard to prove in courts. However, the accumulation of numerous discriminatory acts against us in workplaces had resulted in irrefutable statistical evidence of the glass ceiling against us. See how our bars are much shorter than those of all other Americans in chart 1 of the picture.

Hence, 80-20 chooses to get the Department of Labor, DOL, to enforce Exec. Order 11246* for us -- a law that had been enforced for all except Asian Ams. DOL had traditionally used statistics to confront universities/industries with the need to remove the glass ceilings from blacks, women, & Hispanics. If an institution failed to comply, DOL is empowered by E.O. 11246 to terminate all federal contracts to that institution! A powerful law!

See Pres. Obama's unequivocal commitment to enforce E.O. 11246 for us. In one move, 80-20 aims to help all 14 million Asian Ams win equal opportunity in workplaces painlessly. Compare that to consuming huge amount of time, money, and personal dignity struggling for one verdict in court.

The enforcement should begin soon, especially if there is a dramatic increase in membership for 80-20. Do your share. Effective politics depends on clout! YOU can help give 80-20 clout.

To join 80-20, go http://www.80-20initiative.net. Clink on the red button in the lower right corner. Or send a check to 80-20 PAC, PO Box 22509, Philadelphia, PA 19110. 80-20 gets paid double for NEW members, owing to a NEW matching fund of $3,500.

Respectfully yours,

S. B. Woo
Acting Exec. Director (a volunteer), 80-20 PAC, Inc.

* To know more about E.O. 11246, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net/news/preselect2008_eo11246.asp

Record Membership AGAIN!

Thanks to you, 80-20 sets membership records again.

At the end of last month, 80-20 had a larger membership than ITS ENTIRE 2007 roster, and established a 5-month record for a historic high.

By the middle of this month, 80-20 has a larger membership than ITS ENTIRE 2008 roster, and sets the 6-month record for a historic high. All those records were set during a weak economy!

Implications? (1) More Asian Ams. have confidence in 80-20, after seeing what 80-20 got done through the 2008 election. (2) Ultimately, however, the only lasing impact is "More Power to YOU!"

Each Asian Am. has relatively less political power than that of another average Am. In addition, our number is so much smaller than other groups. So, PLEASE, keep on joining. 80-20 would love to DOUBLE YOUR power by doubling its 2007 membership by year's end. Do you want to be "Equal Citizens NOW?"

What is required? It will require 6 more Asian Ams. deciding to practice Enlightened Self-Interest and join as dues-paying members each day.

Lead! Time is ripe. Join or donate. Others will follow.

Using a credit card, go http://www.80-20initiative.net. Clink on the red button in the lower right page corner. Or send a check to 80-20 PAC, PO Box 22509, Philadelphia, PA 19110. 80-20 gets paid double for NEW members, owing to a NEW matching fund of $3,500.

Respectfully yours.

S. B. Woo
Acting Exec. Director (a volunteer), 80-20 PAC, Inc.

Acknowledgment:
Woo's Foundation to 80-20 Educational Foundation (EF) $7,550
Anonymous to EF $3,500
S. B. Woo to PAC $3,500
Chung Yu Ting of Los Altos Hills, CA to PAC $1,000
Margaret Wong of Cleveland, Ohio to EF $1,000
Rowland and Benjamin Chang of Chicago, IL to PAC $405
Wei H. Sun of Chester, Ohio to EF $250
William L. Pak of West Lafayette, IN to PAC $250

To Join or Not to Join?

To Join Or Not To Join 80-20?

The 14 million Asian American will enjoy EQUAL citizenship a lot earlier, IF 80-20 can double its dues paying members. Why? It is the implied doubling of 80-20's grass roots strength!

Aiming to double its membership, 80-20 did a survey. It revealed 4 main reasons why people have not joined 80-20. Please pass this e-newsletter to your friends. We want to double YOUR political clout.

(I) Number one reason for not joining 80-20
Fearful that joining a political org. may hurt one's career

Quite to the contrary, getting involved only empowers individuals. Allow me to share my career paths and time lines as examples.

Physics Professor (Univ. of Delaware) 1966 to 2001;
Testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Comm. (regarding the dispute of the Tiao-YuTai Island (Senkaku) I was an Asst. Prof. & a P.R. then. '71;
Founding President of the Faculty Union & its Chief Spokesman & Chief Negotiator (U. of D) '71 - '73;
Trustee (U. of D.) '76 - '82;
Lieutenant Governor or Delaware '85 - '89.

My elders & friends advised 
me to avoid such involvement. However, empirical results showed that each involvement empowered me. Admitted, being a Lt. Governor is not a big deal, and luck was an element. However, if I didn't take the first step to be empowered, there would not likely be the 2nd step. "There is nothing to fear, except fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

(II) Some people prefer a "free ride"

If one's economic situation is poor, please keep the money for your family's needs. However, for those who want a free ride, shame on you. Use the following humiliating joke as a mirror for yourself:

"Barber & Asian Americans"

There is this barber in the US. One day a Caucasian florist goes to him for a haircut. After the cut, he goes to pay the barber. The barber replies: "No charge today. I am doing community service." The florist is happy and left. The next morning the barber finds 
a "Thank you" card and a dozen roses waiting at his shop door. 
 An African American cop goes for a haircut and got the same 
"community service treatment." The cop is happy and left. The next morning the barber finds a "Thank you" card and a dozen 
donuts waiting at his shop door. An Asian Software Engineer goes 
for a haircut and he also got the "community service treatment." 
The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, guess 
what he finds there. A dozen Asians waiting for a free Haircut.

(III) Apathy -- politics doesn't affect me

Like it or not, politics is already involved in every aspects of our lives. How do you think the glass ceiling was removed from all others except for the Asian Ams? Our political apathy. How do you think we are goin b19 g to get ride of the glass ceiling? By supporting organizations like the 80-20!

(VI) 80-20 is not party neutral

True! 80-20 favors the Republican Party to induce its support. There are two concrete examples. A) Only 24% of Asian Ams. are registered as Republicans, although 80-20 gave Republicans 33% of the delegates to 80-20's Convention to endorse a presidential nominee. B) We gave Sen. McCain & Pres. Bush more time to answer 80-20's questionnaire.

That 80-20 has never endorsed a Republican presidential nominee was the fault of the Republican nominees -- didn't care enough about us to answer 80-20's questionnaires. If they didn't care to help us gain equal opportunity, 80-20 was proud to have rallied our community for a bloc vote to punish each of them. Just watch, the GOP will soon improve it attitude towards us.

(IV) Don't know enough about 80-20's goals & accomplishment

Goals: Equal opportunity & justice for Asian Americans.

Accomplishment: See the two pictures below. Picture 1 tells our present situation. See the shorten bars for Asian Ams in Chart 1 when compared with all other Americans. That is how much we are being discriminated presently. Picture 2 tells you what 80-20 has accomplished for YOU. It displays the equivocal commitments by President Obama to the Asian Am. community through 80-20 Educational Foundation to give you equal opportunity and justice. When the promises are fulfilled, our bars in chart 1 will be lengthened to reach the national averages. Is that not an impressive accomplishment?

Again, to join or not to join? I hope it is to JOIN! To double our clout, go http://www.80-20initiative.net. Or send your check to 80-20 PAC, PO Box 22509, Philadelphia, PA 19110.

Respectfully yours,

S. B. Woo
Acting Exec. Director, 80-20 PAC, Inc. (a volunteer)

Acknowledgment: 12 more NEW members responded to our call to help get the $3.5K matching fund, although we hoped only for 8. SO PROUD OF YOU! They are: Aravindan Rolands, Meg H. Chang, Raymond W. Chiu, Gene Wu, Zuemin Chi, Elayne Chou, Bangzhi Liu, Simone Shen, Ayako Yasuda, Feng Zhang, Monica Y. & hsien K. Chang, Philip Yang, Andy P. Ng, Wen-Chouh Lin.

Speak up, AsAm Professors

Speak up & Act, Asian American professor!

This email came from an Asian Am. professor who is about to retire. He has been a Dept. Chair, a grant reviewer in a government agency and has already negotiated his early retirement plans with his university. Below he shares his experience and observation on subtle discrimination on campus with his younger Asian Am. colleagues.

On Grant Reviews:
"Advancement in academia often depends on getting extramural funding. I have served on government agency panels that review grant proposals. For course development grant, my perception is that it's harder for Asian Americans to get funded. Many of the reviewers are not Asians and the reviewers come across tougher on proposals submitted by non-Caucasians without the benefit of being underrepresented minorities."

On Hiring:
"Furthermore, during the hiring process, my previous colleagues stack the deck in their votes for non-Asians. Part of the concern is the clarity of speech. However, even for ABCs, the criteria are different. These kind of behavior is very hard to prove. Having worked as the sole Asian in my building for more than 25 years before another Asian was hired in a different department, I can definitely say that the treatment is very different from many administrators and from my contemporaries. The older faculty were actually less prejudiced than the younger ones to my
surprise."

On Negotiating Early Retirement/Rewards for External Funding:
"Furthermore, when it came to negotiating early retirement, the deals were secret and done on a case by case basis. Had I not been previous chair of my department and knew about one particular case, the college was going to deny me health insurance after retirement. Rewards from extramural funding were also handled very differently for me from that of my Caucasian peers, all three of whom I outranked in terms of years in service and years in the professorial rank."

His Concluding Remarks:
"My perception is by no means scientific but if you get enough of this, you might have some basis. I am just about retired and am not saying this to advance myself. I am sending a check for $35 to become a member. Your message resonated with me."

80-20 thanks this professor, who prefers anonymity, for passing on his life experience to others of the Asian Am. community. It should awaken those young Asian Am professors who otherwise might have no idea of how the real world is like. Universities are considered the basin of liberalism. Alas! The fact is Asian Ams in private industries have 55% of the chance of all other Americans to rise to management, while those in universities have ONLY 41% chance of all the other Americans." See Chart 1.

Joining 80-20 will NOT hurt your career. If anything, it'll empower you. Need an example? Please allow me to share my experience. Under my name, a few lines 502 below, are shown a part of my career as a professor. I was involved in projects that my elders & friends considered imprudent, and advised me to avoid. Instead, getting involved liberated & empowered me. Please note the time periods of each involvement, and how each involvement had empowered me to go further.

"There is nothing to fear, except fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Go http://www.80-20initiative.net to join 80-20. We need 8 more NEW members to receive a $3,500 matching fund. Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

S.B. Woo
Acting Exec. Director, 80-20 PAC, Inc. (a volunteer)
Professor ('66-2001), Founding Pres. of Faculty Union, Chief spokesman & chief negotiator ('71-'73), Trustee ('76-'82), all at the Univ. of Delaware; Lt. Governor of Delaware ('85-'89)

Data on which Chart 1 is bases have been verified by EEOC, and entered into the Congressional Record by Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware

Speak up, AsAm Scientists

Emails poured in urging 80-20 to help publicize the article that is in the current issue of the Science Magazine.

Topic? The very low glass ceiling against Asian American scientists!

The above is course NOT news to 80-20. 80-20 started it all in showingthe very low glass ceilings against Asian Americans EVERYWHERE -- private industries, universities, the federal government, and the state and local governments.

We are just delighted that prestigious organizations have checked ourdata & statements and are joining our ranks! Science Magazine, EEOC, and The Chronicle of High Education are with 80-20 in asking for change.

80-20 is proud to point out the two of the prominent persons speaking out in this article are key players of 80-20. Dr. Alice Huang, the President-elect of AAAS, is on 80-20's Board, and Dr. Kuan-Teh Jeang is an 80-20 Honorary Life Member.

Please read about it and then speak up against the discrimination. Or join 80-20 to support its voice, go http://www.80-20initiative.net and click on the red button "JOIN 80-20." Or, send a check to 80-20 PAC, PO Box 22509, Philadelphia, PA 19110.

Speak up against the glass ceiling above you. It's good for you, us and the United States of America.

(The article URL: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2009_05_29/science.opms.r0900072)

Record Membership!

The economy is weak. However, a record number of people joined 80-20 as dues-paying members. What does it mean?

Thanks to you, 5 months into the year, 80-20 already has a larger membership than ITS ENTIRE 2007 roster. Indeed, our current membership is a 5-month record for the historic high. At this rate, we'll double our membership of 2007.

Implication? First, Asian Ams now have more confidence in 80-20, after seeing what it got done through the 2008 election. Secondly, political awakening! Less and less Asian Ams are like the selfish characters in the humiliating joke entitled "Barber and Asian Ams."

You have emboldened 80-20 to set 2 more goals for this month. First, a historic 6-month membership record; & secondly, to have more members by June 30th of 2009 than its ENTIRE 2008 roster!

Why are these aims important to you?

Political clout comes from the ability to deliver as large a swing bloc vote as possible. In the next election, 80-20 may finally be able to deliver 80% of the Asian Am vote to its endorsed candidate - 80-20's name sake. This big increase in membership in a weak economy therefore means "More Power To YOU!"

Once we get there, we'll get sufficient political support to make YOU & YOUR CHILDREN "Equal Citizens NOW."

Dare you dream with us for our children's sake?

With those goals, we need even more members. Using a credit card, go http://www.80-20initiative.net and click on the red button "JOIN 80-20." Or, send a check to 80-20 PAC, PO Box 22509, Philadelphia, PA 19110.

We particularly need NEW members!!!! The membership fee is $15 for students, $35 for s or $50 for a family of 2 members. Act! Citizens & permanent residents may join. Does one need to be "famous or prominent" to join? No! That was a vicious rumor. 80-20 is grass-roots!

Respectfully yours,

S. B. Woo (a volunteer)
Acting Executive Director, 80-20 PAC, Inc.