Executive Order  No. 328: Asian-American Commission

WHEREAS, Asian Americans constitute the fastest growing minority population in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as in the united States; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans represent a very diverse population in Massachusetts, bringing to our Commonwealth different languages, cultures, histories, backgrounds and traditions; and

WHEREAS, many Asian Americans have overcome great hardships, lived the American dream and continue as exemplars of hope and inspiration to their fellow Americans as well as to new groups of Asian peoples as they join the American family; and

WHEREAS, many Asian Americans are making outstanding contributions to the educational, economic, technological, and cultural development and well-being of the Commonwealth, sharing as they do American values including a strong dedication to family, a lasting faith and an industrious work ethic; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans continue to face many challenges in their efforts to achieve full social, political and economic integration, including discrimination and sometimes inadequate access to education, jobs and decent housing; and

WHEREAS, this administration places a high priority on addressing the unique concerns of the Asian American community and promoting the enhancement of opportunities for the Commonwealth's Asian American population;

NOW, THEREFORE, I William F. Weld, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me as supreme executive magistrate, do hereby order the following:

Section 1. An Asian American Commission is hereby established to advise the Governor on matters related to Asian American affairs;

Section 2. The Commission is authorized and directed to examine and make recommendations with regard to:

a. Matters of unique interest and concern to the Massachusetts Asian American Community;

b. Appropriate means of educating the citizens of the Commonwealth regarding the unique qualities, talents, diversity and challenges reflected in and experienced by the Asian American community; and

c. Appropriate efforts to expand and improve commercial and cultural ties with Asian nations.

Section 3. The Commission shall be composed of sixteen (16) members designated by the Governor who shall serve at his pleasure. The Governor shall designate a chair. The Commission shall meet regularly on a schedule determined by the chair, including not less than two meetings each calendar year with the Governor directly.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 3rd day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-two.

William F. Weld, Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Michael Joseph Connolly

Secretary of the Commonwealth