Chinese American scientists, NIH express concern over prejudice

Three Chinese American scientific societies jointly published a letteryesterday expressing concern over the characterization of students and scholars of Chinese descent as threats to the U.S. The groups cite recent incidents, including FBI Director Christopher Wray’s comments about Chinese students posing a risk to national security. Such incidents, they say, have led to “confusion, fear, and frustration among these highly dedicated professionals, who are in danger of being singled out for scapegoating, stereotyping, and racial profiling.”

NIH officials, including Director Francis Collins, published a response to the letter, in which they acknowledge instances of national security threats but say they will be an advocate for the scientists. “We will use our influence and bully pulpit as necessary to speak out against such prejudicial actions, for which there is no place in the biomedical research community,” they write.