JULY 17, 2024, LOS ANGELES, CA — On behalf of Chinese and Thai massage therapy students, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court against the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) for discriminating against students of Asian descent. CAMTC is a gatekeeper to a career in massage therapy in California as a growing number of cities and counties require practitioners to possess CAMTC’s certification before being allowed to work. The suit was filed on behalf of six Asian American massage therapy students based on claims that CAMTC is unfairly withholding certifications needed to work as masseuses for a perceived lack of language skills. CAMTC then ordered plaintiffs and other students of A2Z to take additional English language interviews. The plaintiffs were provided no information about the content of the interviews. The interviews themselves were not consistent and focused on issues not related to the plaintiffs’ knowledge of massage therapy. The plaintiffs and other Asian students were denied their certificates, despite completing and frequently excelling in coursework and training. AJSOCAL is asking for a preliminary injunction ordering CAMTC to stop withholding the Asian students’ certifications.
The hardships created by this unfair practice is best illustrated by one of the plaintiff’s personal stories. For five years, Li Lin worked as a massage therapist in Roseville, CA, which then had no CAMTC certification requirements. Upon moving to Los Angeles, she was able to save and pay $5,000 for well over 500 hours of classes. Upon completion, she was required to take an informal interview which she did not pass. CAMTC has not provided any official explanation. To this day, she does not know why she failed.
In her words, Lin said, “CAMTC provided me with no timeline and no possibility of obtaining my CAMTC license. This prevents me from working close to my home. I must travel very far to work in counties that do not require CAMTC certification. I sleep at home only two days every month. I just want to see my husband and son much more often than I do now. CAMTC’s denial of my application causes me great mental anguish. I am so tired.”
Cori Racela, VP Programs, AJSOCAL stated, “Our clients want to work and use their expertise but are being refused their much-needed certifications because of stereotyping and racial bias. CAMTC’s ongoing practice of requiring extra steps that has a discriminatory effect on Asian students because of perceived language ability is unjust and discriminatory. It is unlawful to create barriers based on race, color, national origin and primary language. These students worked hard to earn their certification and all of them have met the requirements for certification. CAMTC should not withhold their certifications any longer. AJSOCAL is standing up for these and all Asian American workers.”
Americans of Asian descent is among the fastest growing ethnic groups in the country and make up approximately 18% of California’s population. Additionally, a disproportionately high percentage (over 21%) of Asian Americans in service occupations are employed in personal care and service occupations. 71% of Asian Americans in California are English proficient. In general, over 66% of Asian Americans are bilingual in comparison to only 44% of Californians.
While we fight for change through legal advocacy in the court system, we call upon all AAPIs to speak up about similar experiences. Continue to use your vote and your voice with legislators to support fair and just practices for all.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation, conducting crucial research, and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering a robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice. Ensuring accessibility for all, offices are in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with a presence in Sacramento. www. AJSOCAL.org
# # #
CONTACTS:
Liza Ameen, 213-241-0258, lameen@ajsocal.org (English)
Alice Lee, 213-241-0257, alee@ajsocal.org (Asian language)