Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA)

ASATA was a convening member of the Concerned Desis Against 54 coalition, brought together quickly before the October 2003 California state election. Although overshadowed by the gubernatorial race involving Arnold Schwarzenegger, communities of color were able to successfully mobilize to help in Proposition 54's defeat.

We are concerned desis who stand opposed to Proposition 54, the Information Ban. This initiative would make it illegal for state and local agencies, including public schools, hospitals, and law enforcement to collect data on race or ethnicity or even to examine data from other sources, i.e. the federal census. If passed, this initiative would have devastating impacts on the South Asian community, particularly in the areas of health and civil rights.