Know & Be Prepared to Assert Your Rights
Now more than before, it is imperative we know our rights. All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Fourth & Fifth Amendments.
The Fourth Amendment states: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
The Fifth Amendment states: "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
The Know Your Rights Red Cards were created to help people assert their rights and defend themselves against constitutional violations. Knowing and asserting rights can make a huge difference in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Red cards provide critical information on how to assert these rights, along with an explanation to ICE agents that the individual is indeed asserting their rights.
The cards are available for purchase, translated into several languages, and are free to non-profits and public defenders.
Here are some additional resources:
Stop AAPI Hate released the inaugural State of Hate report in the fall of 2024. In March 2024, Stop AAPI Hate and NORC surveyed a nationally-representative panel of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander adults about their experiences with hate in 2023. They wanted to understand the impact of hate on their everyday lives, the support and resources they need, and what steps they have taken to combat racial injustice. Here is what was learned from them:
- Almost half (49%) of AA/PI adults experienced an act of hate in 2023 due to their race, ethnicity, or nationality — a reminder that hate remains pervasive across AA/PI communities. Most hate acts involve some form of harassment (88%) — while 23% of hate acts involve physical contact or harm.
- Anti-AA/PI hate has harmful consequences on our everyday lives — damaging our mental health, eroding our sense of belonging, straining our personal relationships, and even changing our behaviors and routines.
- Despite the persistence of hate, underreporting remains a serious challenge. Over one-third of AA/PI adults who experienced hate have not received the care they need.
- The vast majority of AA/PI adults are primed to take action against racism. Those who have experienced a recent act of hate are even more compelled to take civic or political action.
Volunteers Needed for Digital Accessibility in Government
DIN is partnering with the BRGs to offer a four-part series giving a high-level overview of the new requirements that everyone can understand.
Complete the volunteer form by Friday, February 7.
Please contact DIN@ofm.wa.gov with any questions.
Have Something to Share?
We try our best to curate meaningful and relevant content, opportunities, news, etc., we think will be of interest for our members and allies. Representing over 100 countries and more than 50 communities makes it difficult to stay apprised of everything HAPPENing related to our collective community. We greatly appreciate when opportunities are shared from our members.
This is your bulletin. Feel free to send articles, resources, event information, etc., to be included in future bulletins, and eventually, our website and social media.
Process:
- Submit items by emailing them to HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov by Thursday morning for the following week's bulletin.
- Time sensitive items submitted will be reviewed and included in the next bulletin.
- Non-time sensitive submissions will be added to the list to be included in future bulletins when we may be looking for content to share.
- Bulletins will usually be distributed on Mondays. Special bulletins will be sent only as needed to provide an update on something already shared or of an urgent nature.
Thank you in advance for sharing, uplifting, and elevating our voices, culture, and opportunities! This is what community looks like.
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