The myth of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) as the model minority is based on racial stereotyping and misconceptions. It ignores diversity of culture, socioeconomic status, and educational attainment in AAPI communities, and weaponizes AAPIs as a wedge in discussions of racial justice. Presenting data from the groundbreaking study, A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law, and its successor Portrait Project 2.0, this program explores the opportunities and challenges faced by AAPI legal professionals and situate them in the broader American legal profession. The panel combines a broad data-based discussion with real-world examples and personal experiences.
May 12, 2021 ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
The Model Minority Myth: The Impact on AAPIs in the Legal Profession and Beyond
Panelists
- Ruthe Catolico Ashley, Executive Director Emeritus, California LAW
- Hon. Goodwin H. Liu, Associate Justice, California Supreme Court
- Wendy C. Shiba, Former President, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; Recipient, 2014 ABA Spirit of Excellence Award
Moderator
Ajay K. Mehrotra, Executive Director and Research Professor, American Bar Foundation; Professor of Law, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
Joint Sponsor: ABA Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice
Co-Sponsors: ABA Center for Human Rights, ABA Center for Public Interest Law, ABA Commission on Disability Rights, ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities, ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty, ABA Commission on Immigration, ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, ABA Council for Diversity in the Educational Pipeline, ABA Criminal Justice Section, ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center, ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division, ABA International Law Section, ABA Law Student Division, ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, ABA Section of State and Local Government Law, ABA Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress, ABA Standing Committee on Public Education, ABA Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Foundation
Resources
Transcript: The Model Minority Myth: The Impact on AAPIs in the Legal Profession and Beyond
A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law
Portrait Project 2.0 Winter 2021 Update
Who's Going to Law School? Trends in Law School Enrollment Since the Great Recession
Login to view the webinar recording. Not a member of the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice? Join the Section today!
Support CRSJ
CRSJ provides free webinars and resources for legal professionals and advocates nationwide and relies on generous donor support and volunteer service. Your charitable gift ensures that we continue to address the deepening crises in our collective pursuit of advancing law and justice. Thank you!