The Department of Commerce has formally appealed a judge’s decision overturning the firing of Sherry Chen, the National Weather Service scientist accused of spying, only to have the charges later dropped.
The case has become a symbol of racial profiling of Asian Americans among many groups in the community.
“All Sherry wants is to return to the job she loves,” said Vincent Wang, Chairman of the Ohio Chinese American Association. “She is a loyal American and has been unfairly targeted from day one due to her country of origin.”
AsAmNews has reached out to the Department of Commerce for comment. We asked them on what grounds are they making their appeal. We also questioned them about how someone can be fired based on accusations that have been since dropped by federal prosecutors.
A Department spokesperson would only confirm that an appeal has been filed.
On April 23, an administrative judge with the Merit Systems Protection Board called Chen a “victim of gross injustice” and ordered her to be reinstated with back pay. The Department of Commerce, which oversees the National Weather Service, has yet to allow her to return to her job.
The Committee of 100, United Chinese Americans (UCA), the Ohio Chinese American Association (OCAA) and nine additional community groups issued a new statement in support of Chen following the DOC appeal.
“The Committee of 100 has long led in advocating for the fair and equal treatment of Chinese Americans in American society,” said Frank H. Wu, President of C100. “In Sherry’s case, the community is solidly behind her. It is important for us to stand up and speak out against injustice.”
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