Asian American history has been defined by attorneys and activists who have fought to ensure that Asian Americans are recognized as Americans— not as the “other,” not as “them,” but as “us.” From their efforts to fight against the Chinese Exclusion Act, to correcting the wrongs of the Japanese-American incarceration, it is essential that we learn about the role of Asian Americans and the law.

Accordingly, I write to recognize the historic launch of the Center on Asian Americans and the Law at Fordham University School of Law—the first of its kind in the country. Its founding is both timely and overdue given the recent rise in violence against Asian Americans and the history of discrimination against the Asian American community. I offer my sincerest congratulations to Judge Denny Chin, Kathy Hirata Chin, and others for their efforts in establishing this Center.