Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Appalled but Resolute by Supreme Court Decision to Erode Protections Under Voting Rights Act

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WASHINGTON – On April 29, the Supreme Court decided in Louisiana v. Callais to strike down Louisiana district maps designed to address the dilution of Black voters’ political power. The decision severely weakens voting protections at a time when fair, accessible voting for all Americans is increasingly under threat. 

John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, issued the following statement in response: 

“The Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais represents a profound setback for our multiracial democracy and eviscerates our most sacred civil rights protection under the Voting Rights Act. The impact of this decision will be felt far beyond Louisiana. With this attack on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the Court is opening the doors for states to discriminate with impunity and dilute the voting power of all voters of color, including Asian Americans, based on their political agendas. 

“Last year, we celebrated 60 years of the Voting Rights Act, which has been foundational for ensuring a multiracial democracy. Without the robust protection of Section 2, fair districts for Asian American, Black, Latino, and other voters of color are under threat. The Court’s majority is shamefully equating racial discrimination with partisan gamesmanship, and in doing so is denying voters of color their fundamental right to vote. 

“For the past six decades, the Voting Rights Act protected Asian Americans from being profiled, intimidated, or denied their vote at the polls based solely on racial identity, accent, or limited English proficiency. It created a pathway for our communities to fight for our freedom to vote and ensure we can have a say in our electoral process. Voters of color should have a fair say in our democracy. Leaders should not choose their voters; voters should choose their leaders.

“While we are dismayed by the Court’s decision to further erode the VRA, we remain resolute in our commitment to defending and advancing the right of all communities, regardless of race, to have an equal voice in the political process.”

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