PRESS RELEASE: ASSEMBLYMEMBER KANSEN CHU’S UPDATED STATEMENT REGARDING WORLD JOURNAL ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2020
CONTACT: Annie Pham (916) 319-2025
KANSEN CHU’S UPDATED STATEMENT REGARDING WORLD JOURNAL ARTICLE: Correction Article by the News Outlet Published Today
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – As a lifetime member of the NAACP, an immigrant, and a strong and consistent supporter of communities of color, I fully acknowledge and understand the systemic racism that people of color face then and now.
Recently, there was an English translated document of an article in the World Journal, which was originally written in Chinese, suggesting that I made negative comments related to ACA 5. The article was written with the reporter’s own opinion and not direct or literal quotes from me. World Journal has since published an article clearly stating that I did not make those remarks.
I unequivocally deny saying that Latinos do not value education — especially as a public servant who has a track record of supporting diversity, and human and civil rights. Specifically, I said that there exists deep institutional barriers for Latino and African American students. What was not said in the World Journal was that I said the solution would be more funding for schools serving our underserved communities.
My record on supporting educational funding and progressive policies in support of the advancement of people of color has and will always be strong and consistent. As founder and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Hate Crimes, I have worked with civil rights groups to change policies to help better report, respond, and prosecute hate crimes. I spearheaded a thorough audit of current practices by law enforcement and subsequent policy changes.
As a member of the California Legislature Progressive Caucus, I have authored/co-authored and voted for ALL progressive policies such as seats at the table for civil rights group to influence reforms, sanctuary state, justice reforms (i.e. stricter use of force standards, training on de-escalation, removal of sentence enhancement, and promoting rehabilitation), free college, environmental justice, funding for immigrants, stopping ICE from tearing families apart, better training on hate crimes for peace officers, and many more. During COVID-19 pandemic, I have been vocal about supporting minority groups that are disproportionately impacted. When I heard of the number of deaths and infections due to COVID-19 in East San Jose, an area with majority being people of color, I submitted a funding request for SOMOS Mayfair to do translated and culturally appropriate outreach for testing. I also reached out to many groups offering protective equipment such as masks and provided 5000 masks to farm workers.
The translated version in English did not accurately reflect what was written in Chinese in addition to attributing quotes that did not come from my mouth. I strongly believe that many underserved communities in my district will continue to have barriers to college unless we make higher education more affordable for all.
My decades-long commitment to our community remains steadfast and unwavering, and I look forward to continue working to improve the lives of everyone I serve.
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