Anti-Asian bias probe hits top Virginia school
The Department of Justice has opened a civil rights probe into alleged anti-Asian bias at a Virginia high school.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #74
Federal immigration officials have blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students, citing national security concerns. The Department of Justice has opened a civil rights probe into alleged anti-Asian bias at a Virginia high school. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are rising across East and Southeast Asia, and seven minors have been charged in connection with a violent assault on a Chinese couple in Sydney. Additional developments span tech, politics, and Asian American culture.
Trump defends blocking Harvard’s foreign students amid legal challenge
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration’s decision to block Harvard University from enrolling international students amid claims of the school’s coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, among other allegations.
“We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn’t exactly forthcoming. We want those names and countries,” Trump wrote in part on Truth Social.
Catch up
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification on Thursday, saying the university had failed to provide requested records on “criminality and misconduct” of its foreign students.
It also accused Harvard of creating an “unsafe campus environment by permitting anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to attack others, including Jewish students, as well as engaging in “coordinated activity with the CCP, including hosting and training members of a CCP paramilitary group complicit in the Uyghur genocide.”
The measure affects roughly 6,800 international students who must now transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status.
China responds: China has condemned the move, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying the U.S. “will undoubtedly hurt its own image and reputation in the world” and pledging that Beijing “will firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars overseas.”
Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Macao authorities have offered support, with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology providing “unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures and academic support” to affected students.
Broader implications: The policy creates uncertainty in the international education community, with experts warning of long-term damage to the U.S.’ ability to attract global talent. Last month, the Trump administration canceled $2.7 million in grants and threatened to review $9 billion in funding to Harvard. Former university President Lawrence Summers called the latest decision “madness,” warning it could alienate future leaders.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the policy for two weeks, giving Harvard time to pursue its lawsuit challenging the administration’s actions as unconstitutional.
Top Virginia high school probed over alleged anti-Asian discrimination in admission
The Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia over allegations that its Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) discriminated against Asian American students in its admissions process.
Driving the news: The probe follows a referral from Virginia Atty. Gen. Jason Miyares, who announced on Wednesday that his office found reasonable cause that FCPS violated the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Internal communications allegedly show school board members acknowledging that its admissions policy overhaul was designed to decrease Asian American admissions, with one writing “there has been an anti-Asian feel underlying some of this” and another saying the proposal would “whiten our schools and kick ou[t] Asians.” DOJ Civil Rights Division Chief Harmeet Dhillon confirmed her office will investigate the matter, while the Department of Education separately launched its own Title VI investigation based on Miyares’ referral.
Catch up
In 2020, FCPS replaced TJ’s merit-based system that included standardized testing and a $100 application fee with a holistic review process that considers “experience factors” like special education status, socioeconomic background and English proficiency. Additionally, evaluators were unable to access information about the applicants’ race.
While the new policy boosted Black and Hispanic enrollment, it saw a sharp decline — from 73% to 54% — in Asian enrollment in just one year. TJ also dropped from the top national ranking to No. 14, with National Merit semifinalists falling from 165 to 81 for the first class admitted under the revised process.
Parent group Coalition for TJ sued the school board in January 2022, alleging racial discrimination against Asian American students. A federal judge subsequently found the revised process to be racially discriminatory, but an appeals court reversed that decision, noting that the policy did not disparately impact Asian Americans. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case last year.
What the FCPS is saying: FCPS defended its policy in response to the latest probe. “This matter has already been fully litigated. A federal appellate court determined there was no merit to arguments that the admissions policy for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology discriminates against any group of students,” the school district said, promising a more detailed response in the coming days.
UCLA med school accused of discriminating against white, Asian applicants
A federal lawsuit filed against UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine claims that the institution continues to consider race in its admissions process, illegally discriminating against white and Asian applicants and violating the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action in higher education.
The allegations
The class action suit, which was filed on May 8 and first reported by the Washington Free Beacon, was brought by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) — the nonprofit that successfully challenged Harvard’s affirmative action program — along with Do No Harm and Kelly Mahoney, a white woman applicant who scored in the 96th percentile on the MCAT but was rejected. The complaint alleges that under Associate Dean for Admissions Jennifer Lucero — who became dean in 2020 — the school uses “holistic” review processes to determine applicants’ race through essays and interviews, then uses that information to make admission decisions.
Citing multiple whistleblowers, the suit claims that Lucero “berates and belittles committee members who raise concerns about admitting minority students because of their race despite low GPAs and MCAT scores.” In one alleged 2021 meeting, Lucero allegedly said that the candidate’s scores should not matter “because we need people like this in the medical school,” referencing high mortality rates among African American women as justification for prioritizing Black applicants.
The big picture
The suit argues its case with numbers. While white and Asian students typically comprised around 73% of the medical school’s applicants between 2020 and 2023, their percentage among matriculants dropped from 65.7% in 2020 to 53.7% in 2023, as per the complaint. Black students made up 14.29% of matriculants in 2023 despite being only 7.86% of applicants, while Asian applicants constituted 40.79% of the pool but only 29.71% of matriculants.
The legal challenge represents the latest test of the Supreme Court’s 2023 SFFA v. Harvard decision, which ruled race-based admissions unconstitutional. It also comes amid broader scrutiny of UCLA by the Trump administration: the Department of Health and Human Services launched an investigation into its medical school in March for potential race-based discrimination, while the Department of Justice announced that it would examine UCLA and other UC campuses for “illegal DEI policies.” Additionally, UCLA is one of 60 universities under Department of Education investigation for anti-Semitic harassment following campus protests.
Democrats target Orange County’s Asian voters in first paid 2026 election ads
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has reportedly launched its first paid advertising campaign of the 2026 election cycle, targeting Asian American voters across three competitive Southern California House districts.
The five-figure ad buy includes print advertisements in Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean community newspapers throughout Orange County, focusing on districts held by Republican Young Kim (District 40), Democrat Derek Tran (District 45) and Democrat Dave Min (District 47).
The multilingual ads, first seen by CQ Roll Call, emphasize economic concerns, with messages blaming Republicans for rising prices and stock market instability. One Chinese-language advertisement specifically names Kim, who remains the only House Republican representing Orange County following Michelle Steel’s 2024 loss. All three districts are considered crucial battlegrounds for determining House control in 2026, as Republicans defend their narrow majority.
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Hate group numbers dipped because their beliefs became mainstream, new report warns
While the number of hate and extremist groups in the U.S. decreased slightly in 2024, a new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) claims the decline reflects the growing mainstreaming of their ideologies — not a reduction in their influence.
According to the SPLC’s annual “Year in Hate and Extremism” report, released May 22, the total number of active hate and anti-government groups dropped by 5% to 1,371. However, the organization warns that many extremists now feel less need to organize separately, as their views are increasingly echoed in government policies and political rhetoric.
Entering the mainstream
“After years of courting politicians and chasing power, hard-right groups are now fully infiltrating our politics and enacting their dangerous ideology into law,” said Margaret Huang, SPLC president and CEO.
The report cites the adoption of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment into state legislation as examples of extremist positions becoming normalized. As these ideas gain traction within political institutions, some former hate groups have disbanded or become less visible, according to the SPLC.
Anti-government and male supremacist groups
While the overall number of hate groups declined, the report found a rise in anti-government extremist organizations, which increased to 838 in 2024. These groups, which include militias and self-identified sovereign citizens, often characterize the federal government as oppressive and illegitimate.
The SPLC also noted a surge in male supremacist groups, which grew to 16 last year. These groups espouse misogynistic ideologies and strict gender hierarchies. The report links their increased visibility to political developments during the 2024 election cycle, including the candidacy of Kamala Harris.
COVID-19 surges in East and Southeast Asia
COVID-19 cases are climbing across East and Southeast Asia, with notable increases in Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Health authorities attribute the rise to new Omicron subvariants and waning immunity.
Thailand and China report sharp increases
Thailand reported 33,030 new cases in the week ending May 17, more than doubling the 16,000 recorded the week before. Most infections were concentrated in Bangkok and nearby provinces. Health officials are urging high-risk groups to receive booster vaccinations and are monitoring hospital capacity.
In China, COVID-19 positivity rates rose from 7.5% to 16.2% between March 30 and May 10 — the highest in a year.
Singapore and Hong Kong signal renewed wave
Singapore recorded approximately 14,200 new COVID-19 cases in the week ending May 3, marking a 28% increase from the previous period. Hospitalizations rose by about 30%. In response, the Ministry of Health resumed weekly updates after nearly a year.
In Hong Kong, the infection rate rose from 1.7% in mid-March to 11.4%, surpassing the August 2024 peak, according to the Centre for Health Protection. The city recorded 81 serious adult cases and 30 deaths over the past four weeks.
New subvariants behind surge
The current wave across the region is attributed to Omicron subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8, both from the JN.1 lineage. These variants exhibit higher transmissibility and may partially evade prior immunity. Common symptoms include sore throat, mild cough, fatigue and fever.
Regional responses and precautions
In the Philippines, the Department of Health reported 1,774 COVID-19 cases as of May 3, down 87% from the same time last year. Weekly case numbers have slightly declined in recent weeks. Officials urge continued mask use in healthcare settings and early consultation for symptoms.
Vietnam has confirmed 148 cases across 27 provinces and cities since early 2025, with no fatalities. The health ministry has directed hospitals to update response plans and enforce infection control protocols.
India has expanded testing and surveillance amid rising regional cases. As of May 19, it reported 257 active cases nationwide with no significant rise in hospitalizations.
Health authorities across the region continue to promote preventive measures, including mask-wearing in crowded areas, hand hygiene and up-to-date vaccinations.
Seven children charged for brutal assault on Chinese couple in Sydney
Seven minors have been charged in connection with a violent assault on a Chinese couple at an apartment complex in Eastgardens, a suburb in Sydney’s southeast, on the evening of May 21.
Attack in courtyard
According to New South Wales Police, Lily (not her real name) and her husband were searching for lost keys in the courtyard of their Oscar Place residence at around 5:15 p.m. when a group of about seven teens began shouting abuse at them. The couple attempted to walk away, but one teen allegedly grabbed Lily’s clothing, causing her to fall.
While on the ground, Lily was kicked and punched repeatedly. Her clothes were pulled over her eyes, leaving her unable to defend herself. Her husband tried to intervene but was also attacked. He stepped back to call police, prompting the group to flee. A bystander walking her dog also intervened.
Graphic video footage captured by witnesses circulated widely on social media, showing parts of the assault. The couple suffered facial injuries and were treated at Prince of Wales Hospital.
Children charged
NSW Police confirmed that seven minors — including two 12-year-old girls, two 14-year-old girls, a 14-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl — have been charged. Six face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and affray. The 16-year-old girl will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. All have been granted conditional bail and are scheduled to appear in children's court in June.
Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward. In a statement to ABC News, the woman said the attack “greatly reduced [her] impression of this country.”
Community response
While the police said there was no evidence the assault was racially motivated, the case has intensified public discourse about the safety of Asian residents and youth-related violence in urban areas.
The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney issued a statement condemning the assault and urged Chinese nationals in Australia to remain vigilant, especially at night. It also called on Australian authorities to protect the rights and safety of Chinese citizens.
Tesla’s reputation plunges sharply in U.S. brand survey
Tesla has dropped to 95th place in the 2025 Axios Harris Poll 100, a steep fall from 8th in 2021, reflecting growing disapproval from American consumers. The annual survey ranks major companies based on public perception across categories such as trust, ethics and growth.
Tesla’s score of 61.3 places it in the “poor” category, down from “excellent” in previous years. The company now ranks below firms like UnitedHealth Group and BP.
Factors driving decline
The decline is attributed in part to CEO Elon Musk’s political activity, including support for Donald Trump and controversial statements on X, formerly Twitter. Critics also cite concerns over product quality, customer service and workplace culture. Other Musk-led companies saw similar drops: SpaceX fell to 86th and X to 98th in the same survey.
Significance for Asian American market
The shift in perception is notable given Tesla’s historical strong following among Asian American consumers. In 2022, the company recorded a 72.1% repeat-purchase rate among Asian American owners — 33 points above the U.S. average, according to S&P Global Mobility.
From January to May 2022, nearly 80% of EVs registered by Asian American buyers were Teslas. As public sentiment evolves, the brand’s standing in this high-loyalty segment may be a key area to watch.
Taiwan to build its first AI supercomputer with Nvidia, Foxconn
At Computex 2025 on Monday in Taipei, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a partnership with Foxconn, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and the Taiwanese government to construct Taiwan's first AI supercomputer.
About the project: Foxconn's Big Innovation Company will build the infrastructure, with an initial power capacity of 20 megawatts, scaling up to 100 megawatts as Taiwan's energy resources allow. TSMC plans to utilize the supercomputer for advanced semiconductor R&D, reinforcing its position in AI chip development.
Zoom in: The "AI factory," powered by 10,000 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, will provide cloud computing resources to Taiwanese researchers, startups and industries through the National Science and Technology Council.
Why it matters: “Every single student, every researcher, every scientist, every startup, every large established company — TSMC themselves does enormous amounts of AI and scientific research already and so does Foxconn with robotics,” Huang said. ”I know that there are many other companies in the audience that are doing robotics and AI research, and so having a world-class AI infrastructure here in Taiwan is really important.”
The big picture: This initiative underscores Taiwan's strategic role in the global semiconductor supply chain and Nvidia's commitment to advancing AI capabilities in key tech regions. Nvidia will also establish a new office, "Nvidia Constellation," in Taipei's Beitou Shilin Science Park to accommodate its growing engineering team.
During the event, Huang also criticized U.S. export controls aimed at curbing China's access to advanced GPUs, calling them ineffective. “AI researchers are still doing AI research in China,” he said. “If they don’t have enough Nvidia, they will use their own … the export control was a failure.”
Henry Golding says new James Bond casting should honor original vision
British Malaysian actor Henry Golding, often floated by fans as a candidate to be the next James Bond, said he doesn’t think there should be “pressure to change the ethnicity” of the character in a new interview. “I think sometimes it is good to pay justice to the source material, and how Ian Fleming saw this idea of Bond,” the 38-year-old star told RadioTimes.
Agent 008: While calling it “a privilege to be in any conversation for a property like that,” Golding expressed openness to playing a different agent, such as 008 — referencing it as a “lucky Chinese number.” He added, “Whatever happens, I’m excited as a big fan of that series, to see how they kind of expand it.”
Diversity vs authenticity: In a 2021 interview with the same outlet, he said making the next Bond reflect diversity “shouldn't be a factor at all. I think Bond represents something that we've all sort of grown up with and that's a man of substance, a man who has stoic properties and is a protector, has a sensitive side.” He continued, “So really, the talk of having to have them be diverse is – it's great and all, but I think you have to do justice to the source material. He's such an iconic character, so I wouldn't say that there should be any pressure.
After Ken Jeong, Jo Koy receives honorary doctorate from Cal State LA
Comedian Jo Koy received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles, during its commencement ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on May 21 — one day after fellow comedian Ken Jeong was honored at the same venue.
In his keynote address, Koy reflected on the challenges of his career, telling graduates, “It’s not easy getting to where you want to go. It takes a lot of hard work, it takes a lot of sacrifice. It takes a lot of falling flat on your face, and that’s when you find out who you really are. That’s when you build the grit, the heart, and the strength to keep pushing.”
Taiwan tops 2025 list of cheapest travel destinations
Taiwan has been named the most affordable travel destination for 2025, according to a recent ranking by NerdWallet. In its list of “16 Cheap Places to Travel in 2025” published in March, the U.S.-based personal finance site cited low daily costs and convenient travel infrastructure.
Affordable experiences in Taiwan: In Taipei, visitors can enjoy meals for under $10, with bus rides costing less than 50 cents and subway fares starting at 60 cents. NerdWallet called Taiwan a “food lover’s paradise,” pointing to the abundance of inexpensive breakfast stalls and vibrant night markets across the country. Top attractions include the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, scenic Yangmingshan National Park and the geothermal hot springs in Beitou. Taiwan’s visa-free entry for U.S. citizens further enhances its accessibility.
Boost to Taiwan’s tourism efforts: Taiwan’s Tourism Administration welcomed the ranking as a positive sign for its international tourism goals, particularly in North America and Europe. To attract more independent travelers, the agency is extending its “Taiwan the Lucky Land” incentive program. The campaign offers NT$5,000 (about $160) through a lottery system to foreign tourists, and will run through Sept. 30.
Indonesia and India ranked next: Indonesia ranked second on the list, praised for its low-cost accommodations and scenic destinations such as Bali and Yogyakarta. India followed in third place, recognized for its affordability in both urban and rural areas, with an extensive array of cultural sites and local cuisine.