Sacramento, CA – The Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) will host a press conference on Wednesday, January 27, 2015, 11:00 AM at Stanford University – Stanford Faculty Club to address the issue of recent racial profiling and false imprisonment of Asian American professionals particularly in the STEM fields. This conference specifically will highlight the case of U.S. federal employee, Sherry Chen, who was suspended based on suspicions of 4 counts of economic espionage that were subsequently dropped without explanation.  Her reputation and finances suffered tremendously as the result. This event is open to media only. Please note that “Stanford Faculty Club” cannot be referenced in any press articles. Press must acquire approval from Stanford University before doing so.

Recently, Chinese American scientists, technology professionals, academic researchers, and federal government employees in the United States have increasingly become the focus of criminal investigations and prosecutions involving national security, intellectual property theft, and corporate espionage. With various high profile cases of alleged espionage and exchange of trade secrets, concerns have risen for racial discrimination and violations of civil and constitutional rights of U.S. citizens of Asian descent. APAPA offers support to Sherry Chen, a US Citizen and employee of the National Weather Service office in Ohio, whose life was turned upside down upon false accusation of spying for the Chinese government.  Despite the very serious charges of four felonies, 25 years in prison, $1 million in fines, and a tarnished reputation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found no evidence of espionage to prosecute her. The charges were dropped abruptly without explanation or apology from the U.S. government. She currently risks termination from her job and over $200,000 in legal fees. 
    
The public is invited to two upcoming events: a seminar in collaboration with the Committee of 100 (C-100) on the Legal Risks in Advancing Technology between the U.S. and China on Thursday, January 28th at Stanford University - Li Ka Shing Center, and a fundraiser in Cupertino on Saturday, January 30th hosted by APAPA to support Sherry Chen’s legal defense costs.   

The seminar program on January 28th will begin with an introduction from APAPA National Issues Committee Chair, Albert Wang, followed by a presentation and comments from C-100 members Dr. George Koo and former defense lawyer for another racial profiling victim Dr. Wen Ho Lee, Brian Sun, to discuss the complex U.S. legal environment, historical context, and geo-political background surrounding similar notable cases that have been brought by the U.S. government against Chinese American scientists and federal employees. Ms. Chen will also be present to share her experience as a victim of racial profiling and how to avoid such predicament.  

APAPA National Issues Committee Chair Dr. Albert Wang stated, “In 2000, Judge Parker apologized to Dr. Wen Ho Lee for being misled by the government in open court, but racial profiling of Chinese American scientists continued.  Ms.Chen is yet another victim.  I urge our community to support her by helping her cover the mounting debt for legal fees in excess of $200,000.  Let's join her on Saturday, January 30th at Hong Fu Restaurant in Cupertino, make a donation online at www.sherrychendefensefund.com/donate.html , or send a check made out to ‘Sherry Chen Legal Defense Fund’ and mail to APAPA National Headquarters at 4000 Truxel Road, Suite 3, Sacramento, CA 95834.  Donations are not tax deductible.

APAPA is a non-profit, non-partisan and grassroots organization. Its mission is to promote the advancement of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Americans through education and active participation in civic and public affairs.