January 20, 2023

Southwestern Celebrates Lunar New Year

Happy Lunar New Year! We celebrate the year of the rabbit and also the inaugural recognition of the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in California since the passing of AB2596 in September of 2022. 

The Southwestern APALSA Executive Board and Dean's Task Force for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging welcome the actions of the California State Legislature and Governor Newsom for their commitment to advancing the interests of Asian Americans. 

This is a tremendous milestone for the Asian American community, the fastest-growing minority group in California, and a well-deserved affirmation of Asian culture and traditions. 

Why we celebrate

Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of Asian Americans with roots in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and other Asian countries to commemorate themes like renewal, community, and familial togetherness. We encourage all Californians, regardless of ethnicity, to celebrate this holiday by spending time with family and friends, inviting luck by making space through cleaning and organization, and visiting a Lunar New Year festival or parade. (SW APALSA recommends the Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown on Jan. 28!)

With the prevalence of Asian hate and discrimination in recent years, recognizing Lunar New Year as a state holiday not only supports Asian American communities but also sends a powerful message that California continues to lead and demonstrate inclusion. We want to continue this momentum and hope to celebrate Lunar New Year as a federal holiday in the future. 

Lift your voice

In January 2022, Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, submitted HR2565 to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. On January 20, 2023, she reintroduced legislation to commemorate Lunar New Year as a federal holiday. The bill is currently in review, and by voicing our desire to establish Lunar New Year as a federal holiday, we take one further step towards greater Asian American inclusion. Please show your support for this initiative and write or call the committee using the information provided below.

2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5051
Fax: (202) 225-4784

Happy Lunar New Year!
The Southwestern APALSA Executive Board
The Dean's Task Force for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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Celebrate Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit with APALSA on Monday, January 23, 2023, by purchasing a Year of the Rabbit donut! Donuts are selling for $6, and preorders can be made until the end of the day on January 22, 2023, by emailing dfang20@swlaw.edu.

If you do not get a chance to preorder, you can also purchase them in front of the Westmoreland building between 12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.!