Race-Based Ban: Impact on Asian Student Groups
New education policy threatens cultural groups and programs impacting Asian American students.
The Rebel Yellow #33
The Trump administration has given schools a two-week deadline to end race-based programs—or lose federal funding. From banning cultural student groups to gutting DEI policies nationwide, the move is already hitting Asian American students and institutions hard.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk leans into his Genghis Khan comparisons amid new paternity rumors, a Filipino priest survives a miracle plane crash, and South Korea now has the most obese youth in East Asia. Also in this issue: shocking cases of human trafficking, sports tragedies, and historic wins in Asian cinema and entertainment.
Trump administration sets 2-week deadline for schools to end race-based programs
The Department of Education (DOED) has issued a far-reaching directive ordering schools to eliminate race-based considerations from their operations by the end of the month or face potential loss of federal funding.
The mandate, issued on Feb. 14, signals a major shift in how educational institutions can approach diversity and cultural programming, with particular consequences for Asian American student organizations and activities.
Key changes required
The directive, which came in the form of a “Dear Colleague” letter by Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, requires that educational institutions:
Cease using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline and housing
End race-specific graduation ceremonies and all other aspects of student, academic and campus life
Eliminate programs that the department claims “preference certain racial groups” or teach that “certain racial groups bear unique moral burdens”
Stop using indirect methods or proxies to achieve racial diversity goals
Impact and response
The new policy supports President Trump’s anti-DEI efforts. So far, several educational institutions have already signaled compliance: At West Point, administrators reportedly disbanded 12 affinity groups, including the Asian-Pacific Forum Club and Vietnamese-American Cadet Association. Some universities have put cultural celebrations on hold — including Lunar New Year events — while others have canceled forums on race and removed diversity-related degree requirements.
“At its core, the test is simple: If an educational institution treats a person of one race differently than it treats another person because of that person’s race, the educational institution violates the law,” wrote Trainor. The policy reflects DOED concerns about programs he described as operating “at the expense of white and Asian students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Legal framework
The directive builds on the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which established that using racial preferences in college admissions is unlawful. However, it extends significantly beyond admissions policies, affecting virtually all aspects of campus operations where race might be considered. In his letter, Trainor emphasized that “nebulous concepts like racial balancing and diversity are not compelling interests” that would justify race-based decisions.
Colleges and universities are particularly affected by the guidelines, with several areas remaining unclear. Questions persist about programs such as recruitment initiatives and support services for students from groups with higher dropout rates. Certain aspects, particularly those addressing hiring practices, could face legal challenges as these were not part of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
Additional measures
The policy change comes alongside other significant administrative actions. Last week, the DOED also canceled $600 million in grants focused on training teachers in “inappropriate and unnecessary topics” such as critical race theory, social justice activism, antiracism and “instruction on white privilege.” Additionally, all 50 state education departments were directed to remove DEI policies within the same 14-day timeframe.
To maintain compliance, educational institutions must review and update their policies to meet civil rights law requirements, end any efforts to use personal essays or extracurricular activities as racial indicators and stop using the elimination of standardized testing as a means to achieve racial balance. They must also terminate relationships with third-party contractors that might be used to circumvent these prohibitions.
Students who believe an institution has unlawfully discriminated can file complaints with the Office of Civil Rights through their online complaint system.
Elon Musk embraces Genghis Khan comparisons amid latest paternity claim
Elon Musk has welcomed comparisons to 12th-century Mongol emperor Genghis Khan just days after conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair claimed he had fathered her child, potentially bringing his total number of known offspring to 13.
“For some reason, I find the history of Genghis particularly interesting,” Musk wrote on X on Feb. 17 while sharing a link to a podcast titled “The Mongols - Terror of the Steppe (Part 1).” The 53-year-old Tesla CEO’s post came in response to social media users drawing parallels between his expanding family and the legendary conqueror’s lineage.
Latest paternity claim
St. Clair, 26, took to X on Valentine’s Day to announce that she had given birth to Musk’s child five months ago. “I have not previously disclosed this to protect our child’s privacy and safety, but in recent days it has become clear that tabloid media intends to do so, regardless of the harm it will cause,” she claimed.
The conservative influencer said their relationship began after connecting on X in May 2023. “Musk was very funny. He was smart. He was very down to earth. It started with X interactions and he slid into my DM’s,” St. Clair told the New York Post. She said she was later pressured into keeping the pregnancy secret “forever.”
If confirmed, St. Clair’s baby would be Musk’s 13th known child. While Musk has not publicly acknowledged the latest allegation, his identified children include five children with first wife Justine Wilson, three children with singer Grimes and two children with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis.
Historical context
The comparisons to Genghis Khan are particularly noteworthy given the Mongol leader’s historical significance in Asia. During his reign from around 1206 to 1227, Genghis Khan built the largest contiguous land empire in history, which extended across Asia and into Europe.
While a 2003 genetic study suggested millions of men might be descendants of the Mongol emperor, more recent research has debunked this claim. A broader 2018 study of over 18,000 individuals found that the common genetic pattern previously attributed to Genghis Khan actually predates him by about 1,700 years and likely belonged to an ancestor of all Mongolic-speaking peoples. Much like other aspects of his life, Genghis Khan’s final resting place has never been found — his burial site was deliberately kept secret to preserve what was believed to be his godly power.
Reactions
The situation has sparked mixed responses, particularly within conservative circles. Trump ally Laura Loomer, who previously alleged she was being censored on X, criticized the situation, stating she would “rather die childless than live with the scourge of being a single mom.”
Meanwhile, St. Clair has publicly called out Musk for his alleged lack of communication. “Elon, we have been trying to communicate for the past several days and you have not responded,” she reportedly wrote in a now-deleted X post.
Filipino priest reflects on “miracle escape” from Delta plane crash: For Father Joal Bernales, what was meant to be a peaceful journey to visit family in Toronto turned into a harrowing test of faith and survival. The Filipino priest from the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in San Jose, Camarines Sur, was one of 80 passengers aboard a Delta plane that crashed at Pearson Airport on Feb. 17.
“Hanging” for survival: “It was a really hard touchdown. I was so aware of that, so hard. And then, that’s the time it was off balance,” Bernales recounted. The aircraft skidded on the snowy runway, burst into flames and flipped over — leaving passengers suspended upside down in their seats as chaos erupted around them.
Finding humanity through chaos: Amid the panic, Bernales found solace in the humanity that surfaced among strangers. “Good thing that there’s still humanity, that all of us were saying, ‘Are you good? Are you good? Are you good?’” he recalled. Despite the terrifying scene — passengers injured, faces bloodied and the looming smell of fuel — everyone on board survived.
Renewed sense of mission: "For me, it’s really a miracle," Bernales reflected."I would see everything in the perspective, of course, of faith, in God’s eyes.” He believes the survival of all on board signifies a continued purpose for each of them. “You know, my reflection [on this], is that, yeah, we still have a mission in life to finish, because all of us is in the hand of God,” he explained. Bernales has requested a Mass of Thanksgiving be held in his diocese. As authorities continue the investigation, Bernales plans to return to the Philippines via Phoenix on Thursday.
South Korean youth are now the most obese in East Asia
South Korean children and teenagers are becoming increasingly overweight, with obesity rates now reaching the highest levels in East Asia, according to a new report.
Rising trends
According to the Korea Herald, a 2024 study conducted by a joint research team that includes experts from the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency and multiple university hospitals found that, as of 2022:
43% of males and 24.6% of females aged 5-19 were obese in South Korea
Taiwan followed with 31% of boys and 20.5% of girls
China reported 24.9% of boys and 19.9% of girls
Japan showed the lowest rates at 19% of boys and 13.6% of girls
“The substantial increase in obesity rates, particularly among Korean boys, is worrisome,” the researchers noted. “There needs to be a multiangle solution for this issue such as promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activities and implementing effective public health policies.”
Dig deeper
In 2023, a Ministry of Health and Welfare survey found that over 20% of South Korean children are overweight or obese. A separate Ministry of Education report in the same year found that 29.6% of elementary, middle and high school students were obese, up from 23.9% in 2017, with 34.4% of students in rural areas affected compared to 28.7% in urban regions.
Meanwhile, a 2023 report by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity showed that obesity rates increased across all youth age groups from 2012 to 2021, with the rate for children aged 10-12 increasing by 2.5 times and the rate for those aged 16-18 doubling during the said period.
The health ministry’s survey revealed significant changes in children’s daily routines. Students’ weekday sitting time increased from 524 to 636 minutes from 2018 to 2023, while average daily sleep decreased from 8.3 to 7.9 hours. However, high-intensity exercise participation rose from 38.2% to 48.1% during this period.
The same survey examined stress levels among youth, finding that the percentage of children experiencing very high stress increased to 1.2 percent in 2023, up almost one percentage point from 2018. Students reported homework and exams (64.3%), academic grades (34%) and college admission pressure (29.9%) as primary stressors.
The big picture
South Korea’s youth obesity challenge reflects a broader global trend. According to the World Health Organization, adolescent obesity worldwide has quadrupled since 1990. What was once considered primarily a high-income country problem has now become a growing concern across nations at all economic levels, the WHO notes.
South Korea uses the WHO Asia-Pacific region’s body mass index (BMI) threshold of 25 to define obesity, stricter than the international standard of 30. Under the international BMI 30 definition, the World Obesity Federation ranks South Korea 38th globally for boys’ obesity (19.89%) and 99th for girls’ obesity (8.07%) as of 2022.
The WHO warns that childhood obesity can lead to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers later in life. It can also affect bone health and quality of life, including impacts on sleep and mobility.
In response to the issue, South Korea’s health ministry is developing its third basic plan for children’s policy (2025-2029), aiming to enhance children’s physical activities, protect their right to play, address the urban-rural health disparities and implement comprehensive intervention strategies.
Thai women rescued from egg harvesting slavery scheme in Georgia
Three Thai women were rescued from an egg harvesting operation in Georgia, where they were held captive by a group of Chinese gangsters, the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women reported on Feb. 3. The women were lured to the former Soviet republic with promises of lucrative surrogacy jobs but were instead forced into an illegal egg harvesting scheme and detained against their will.
Lured with money
One of the victims, identified only as Na (not her real name), alerted the foundation on Sept. 27, 2024, seeking help for the other Thai women still trapped in Georgia. Na had been searching for work abroad when she came across a Facebook advertisement offering jobs for women, promising potential earnings of 400,000 to 600,000 baht ($11,800- $17,800). The ad also covered travel expenses and provided assistance with passport applications.
Upon arriving in Georgia in August 2024, Na and two other women were taken to a compound with four large houses, where at least 100 other Thai women were being held.
Tormented in captivity
Once inside the compound, the women were forced to undergo hormone treatments to stimulate their ovaries and were subjected to monthly egg extractions under anesthesia. Their passports were confiscated and they were threatened with imprisonment if they attempted to leave or failed to pay a ransom.
Those who refused to give up their eggs were forced to pay a ransom of up to 70,000 baht ($2,000) to secure their release. Na managed to contact her relatives, who helped her raise the ransom money, allowing her to return to Thailand. It was through her escape that the Pavena Foundation learned of the plight of the other Thai women still trapped in Georgia.
In a livestream on the foundation’s Facebook page, Na described her harrowing experience. “They took us to a house where there were 60 to 70 Thai women. The women there told us there were no (surrogacy) contracts or parents,” she said. “The women in captivity would be injected to get treatment, anesthetized, and their eggs would be extracted with a machine.”
Rescue and aftermath
The Pavena Foundation, led by Pavena Hongsakula, worked alongside the Foreign Affairs Police and Interpol to orchestrate the rescue. While the operation was successful, and the three women safely returned to Thailand on Jan. 30, around 100 Thai women remain trapped in Georgia. Pavena has urged the Thai government to coordinate with Chinese authorities to secure their release and prevent further human trafficking cases.
Authorities in Thailand and Georgia have launched investigations into the trafficking ring responsible for the exploitation. Georgia’s interior ministry revealed that four foreign nationals have been questioned as part of the inquiry. Companies operating in Georgia advertise such services and surrogacy arrangements are currently considered legal contracts. However, the Georgian government stated that it is in the process of outlawing surrogacy to prevent further exploitation.
Chinese soccer player, 18, brain-dead after being kneed in the head during training camp
Guo Jiaxuan, a promising young soccer player who played for the academy of Chinese Super League (CSL) team Beijing Guoan, was declared brain-dead after suffering a severe head injury during a training match in Spain on Feb. 6.
A rising star's tragic accident
Guo, 18, was a rising star in Chinese soccer and was the only Chinese player selected for the Bayern World Team in 2023, a program that highlights young talents from Bayern Munich's global network. The defender collided with another player during a training camp organized by the Beijing Football Association (BFA) in Madrid, resulting in a subarachnoid hemorrhage — bleeding in the space between the brain and its surrounding membrane, which can lead to a stroke.
Guo’s brother shared the devastating news on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, stating that his condition left him with "little chance of survival."
Family airs grievances
Guo’s family has accused Beijing Guoan and the BFA of negligence, claiming they failed to provide financial support and did not purchase insurance for the trip, leaving them to cover overwhelming medical expenses. According to Guo’s brother, both organizations told the family that the teenager "must accept the dangers that come with a high-risk job," a statement that contradicts the BFA’s public pledge to support his recovery.
"During training, he was rushed to the hospital after being hit in the head by another player’s knee," Guo’s brother wrote. "Through the interpreter, I learned that the doctor said my brother had suffered excessive bleeding in his head and that there was little hope of survival. The hospital was preparing to remove his life support tubes."
Repatriation and continued treatment
Refusing to accept the hospital’s recommendation to remove life support, Guo’s father traveled to Spain to be by his son’s side and insisted on bringing him back to China for further treatment. Guo arrived in Beijing on a chartered medical flight on Friday, but by then, his condition had worsened.
His brother told the South China Morning Post that upon arrival in China, Guo had “deteriorated” and was admitted to Beijing Daxing People’s Hospital. Once his condition stabilizes, he may be transferred to Beijing Tiantan Hospital Neurosurgery Centre for further treatment.
The BFA acknowledged the incident in a statement released on Feb. 13, reiterating their commitment to supporting Guo’s treatment. They also noted that under Spanish law, hospitals have the authority to withdraw life support once a patient is diagnosed as brain-dead.
How our favorite NBA halftime performer got her start: Unicycle-riding acrobat Rong “Krystal” Niu, better known as "Red Panda," delivered another seemingly effortless performance of her signature balancing bowl-flipping act at the recent NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. A popular mainstay in the NBA halftime show circuit, the 50-something performer gracefully maneuvered a 7-foot unicycle while flipping and catching bowls on her head and feet. While fans cheered her on, few likely knew the years of dedication and personal challenges that fueled her journey to becoming an NBA halftime icon.
Father's strict tutelage: Born in China to a family of acrobats, Red Panda began training at the age of 7 under her father, GuiZhang. She described him as a strict instructor who emphasized perfection. “That look is really scary. It’s like, ‘Oh my god.’ You know? He doesn’t say much,” she recalled. “If I make a mistake, he says it’s my fault that I’m careless. I didn’t give an effort.”
Landing her big break: She later attended a boarding school specializing in acrobatic arts and went on to tour internationally with the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. At 19, she moved to the U.S. and settled in San Francisco. Her breakthrough came in 1993 when she received a last-minute invitation to perform at a Los Angeles Clippers game. The performance was a success, launching her career as a beloved NBA halftime entertainer.
Overcoming adversity: In 2013, Red Panda joined “America's Got Talent” but was forced to withdraw to care for her ailing father, who later passed away. During this period, she also suffered a broken wrist, which is a significant setback for an acrobat. After recovering from her injury, she returned to performing in 2015 and has continued to inspire audiences worldwide.
$1.69 billion: China’s "Nezha 2" is the world's top-grossing animated film of all time: The Chinese animated film "Nezha 2" has officially surpassed Pixar's "Inside Out 2" to become the highest-grossing animated film globally. According to data from ticketing platform Maoyan, the sequel has amassed an unprecedented 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion) at the global box office, with the vast majority of earnings — over 99% — coming from mainland China.
Billion-dollar win for Chinese cinema: This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Chinese film industry, solidifying its growing influence and the increasing global appeal of Chinese animation. "Nezha 2" is now the first non-Hollywood production and the only non-English language film to rank among the top eight highest-grossing films of all time. The film builds upon the success of its 2019 predecessor, "Nezha," which grossed $726.2 million.
Everybody’s hero: Released during the Lunar New Year period, "Nezha 2" captivated audiences with its stunning animation and captivating storyline. The film depicts Nezha as a hero who struggles against societal expectations and an unjust destiny, ultimately rising to protect his loved ones and his homeland, Chentangguan. The film deepens the character’s emotional journey, exploring his friendship with Ao Bing, the dragon prince and their shared battles against oppression.
The Chinese MCU: "Nezha 2" is part of the Fengshen Cinematic Universe, a series of films based on the 16th-century Chinese classic novel "Investiture of the Gods." The FCU reimagines classic Chinese tales for a modern audience, drawing upon a rich tradition of Chinese animation. Previous films such as Nezha (2019) and Jiang Ziya (2020) laid the groundwork for this interconnected universe. The success of the first three films in the series has ignited a renewed interest in Chinese mythology and folklore.
Mindy Kaling honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress Mindly Kaling cemented her legacy in Hollywood history on Tuesday as she received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Known for her groundbreaking work on “The Office,” “The Mindy Project” and “Never Have I Ever,” Kaling’s star marks a milestone in a career defined by versatility and cultural impact.
“This is one of the times I’m just going to force myself to be in the moment,” said the 45-year-old star during the ceremony. “I love recognition, and this is just incredibly nice. Thank you to the city of Los Angeles.”
Longtime friend and “The Office” co-star B.J. Novak delivered a heartfelt tribute during the unveiling. “This is not the Walk of Hard Work — Mindy would have been on that since first grade,” Novak said. “She always makes the extra effort to show people her real personality, her real values, her real sense of humor and I’ve seen what a difference it makes.” Kaling, in turn, acknowledged Novak’s deep personal significance in her life, calling him “an integral part of my family” and godfather to some of her children.
The honor coincides with the release of Kaling’s latest venture, “Running Point,” a Netflix comedy starring Kate Hudson as a basketball executive unexpectedly tasked with leading her family’s team.
Michelle Yeoh’s journey is now chronicled in a Little Golden Book
Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh is now the subject of a new children’s book, “Michelle Yeoh: A Little Golden Book Biography,” offering young readers an inspiring glimpse into her extraordinary life. Released on Feb. 4, the 24-page biography traces the 62-year-old star’s rise from her childhood in Malaysia, where she trained as a ballet dancer, to becoming the first Asian woman to win the best actress Oscar for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The book also shares lesser-known moments, including her 1983 win at the Miss Malaysia pageant and her early career move to adopt the stage name “Michelle Khan” to appeal to international audiences.
Written by Angela Song and illustrated by Irene Chan, the book was crafted with a focus on the AAPI community, honoring Yeoh’s trailblazing influence both on and off the screen. Yeoh’s groundbreaking roles in films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and her Oscar-winning performance highlight the power of representation and breaking barriers in Hollywood.
The book also underscores Yeoh’s enduring commitment to her craft and cultural impact. By spotlighting her journey from humble beginnings to global acclaim, the biography invites young readers — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — to dream big. “Young readers will learn that with perseverance and grit, they too, like Michelle, can become the hero of their own stories,” publisher Golden Books shared.