T he Regents of the University of California have passed a NEW admission policy to replace SAT II (Subject Tests) with SAT I (Aptitude Tests). The new policy will begin in 2012.

The California Joint Asian-Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral legislative organization, wrote the Regents to seek additional information.

The Board of 80-20 Initiative, after two days of intense debate, in a 16-0 vote, with two members abstaining, passed a motion to support the said Caucus in its seeking of additional information.

* Here is the complete statement:

"The 80-20 Initiative, Inc., which is by far the largest Asian-American political action organization in the nation, expresses its support for the letter dated February 3, 2009, which was sent to the University of California Board of Regents by the California Joint Asian-Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. The Joint Caucus is bipartisan and bicameral. It is composed of all 11 Asian-American elected officials in the California Senate and Assembly.

“The letter urges the Regents to do a more thorough evaluation of how the changed admission policy, to begin in 2012, would impact low-income and minority students including Asian Americans. The new policy will use aptitude tests (SAT I) over achievement-oriented tests (SAT II).

The letter also expresses concern that "No Asian-Pacific Islanders serve on the UC Regent Committee on Education Policy and only one of the 26 members of the UC Board of Regents is of Asian-Pacific Islander descent."

The Joint Caucus further intends to hold hearings and bring sunshine to this rather opaque decision by the Board of Regents.

The 80-20 is delighted that elected Asian-American officials are sharing the concerns of the Asian-American community in such a firm but responsible manner. We urge all to follow keenly the subsequent development of this issue, and appreciate the efforts made on behalf of our community by these elected officials.

They are Ted Lieu, and Van Tran, who are co-chairs of the Joint Caucus. Additional members are Mike Eng, Paul Fong, Warren Furutani, Mary Hayashi, Carol Liu, Fiona Ma, Alberto Torrico, Mariko Yamada and Leland Yee, who is the only Asian-American California senator.

* Announcements

1) Ted Lieu, a highly respected California assemblyman and an 80-20 Life member, is running for Attorney General in California in 2010. Ted currently leads the other candidates in fundraising.

2) Sam Yoon, a Korean-American Boston councilman who is the media favorite and also an 80-20 member, has announced to run for Mayor of Boston.

3) Time Magazine reported the passing of Xiangzhong (Jerry) Yang, 49, a former 80-20 Board Member in p. 15 of its Feb. 23, 2009, issue. Dr. Yang was the first person to clone a farm animal in the United States, and was an advocate for the use of human stem cells in disease research. Flowers were sent in the name of the Board to Jerry's wife, Cindy.

Join 80-20. http://www.80-20initiative.net .

Editor’s Note: Former Delaware Lieutenant Governor S. B. Woo, a volunteer, is the Acting Executive Director of the 80-20 PAC, Inc.