AASF WORKS TO ENSURE A SEAT AT THE TABLE FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN SCHOLAR COMMUNITY STRIVING TO LIFT UP THEIR VOICE AND ADVANCE AND PROTECT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF ALL. WE ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS, EDUCATION, AND BUILDING BRIDGES. AASF CONVENES HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS WITH THE WHITE HOUSE, FEDERAL AGENCIES, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. AASF ENSURES THAT THE ASIAN AMERICAN SCHOLAR COMMUNITY IS EDUCATED ON THE LAWS AND POLICIES THAT IMPACT THEIR RIGHTS, WHILE ENGAGING WITH POLICYMAKERS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE CRUCIAL EXPERTISE AND LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ASIAN AMERICAN AND SCHOLAR COMMUNITIES. FURTHERMORE, THE AASF'S LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND HELPS TO FIGHT DISCRIMINATION AND RACIAL BIAS AGAINST SCHOLARS BY FUNDING LEGAL WORK THAT HAS A POTENTIAL FOR NATIONAL IMPACT OR SETTING LEGAL PRECEDENT. AASF ALSO WORKS ON EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS TO LIFT UP THE HISTORY AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF ASIAN AMERICANS AND FURTHER EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC THROUGH DATA AND RESEARCH.