Growing student and faculty support for an Asian American studies discipline at Duke culminated Monday night in a teach-in, where organizers presented arguments for the initiative and encouraged participants to sign a petition.
The teach-in, a result of collaborative efforts between students in visiting associate professor Alexandra Suh's Asian American literature class and the Asian American studies undergraduate working group, drew a crowd that filled the Alumni Lounge in the West Union Building.
A pamphlet handed out during the event outlined the working group's findings, provided evidence of Asian socioeconomic and ethnic influences on the United States and listed several universities and colleges that already have Asian American studies--such as Columbia, Yale and New York universities.
Working group member Christina Hsu, a student mediator of the event, said the proposed program is an intellectual imperative, adding that it would be a tool used to promote social change.
"[An Asian American studies program] brings in new paradigms of thought and tools against racism," the junior said. "The purpose of the teach-in is to spread awareness of the program."
Within Arts and Sciences, administrators are planning initiatives in Latino studies and Native American studies, but Orin Starn, associate professor of cultural anthropology, said these programs will come to fruition only if students continue to apply pressure to the administration.
"A lot more work needs to be done, but there has been progress made," Starn said.
"[Students] should realize it is not by any sinister plot that Duke does not already have an Asian American studies program."
Organizers of the teach-in distributed petitions in support of the program; they had already gathered more than 200 signatures. Students will meet with administrators today to discuss details of the proposal and the final petition will be submitted Wednesday afternoon.
Karla Holloway, dean of humanities and social sciences, could not be present at the teach-in, but said earlier Tuesday she was very interested in what the students had to say. She added there may be some way to view Asian American studies within a larger context of the already-planned Americas Studies initiative.
"I think that what was shared tonight was a very compelling argument," said Sue Wasiolek, assistant vice president for student affairs, who attended the event. "But as one student mentioned, it is a matter of resources."
Several students spoke at the teach-in, citing the many advantages they saw to having an Asian American studies program. Senior Dipta Basu talked about the discipline as a mechanism for eliminating racism.
"Asian American studies fits in with the new goals of Duke, to promote understanding and communication within the community," Basu said. "The focus has become more on enhancing intellectual life."
Several professors also spoke on the importance of the discipline as a medium for finding identity and purpose, not only among the Asian-American student population, but for all students. "There is a general ignorance that if you are hyphenated or slashed, you are not a full member of society," said Leo Ching, associate professor of Asian and African Languages and Literature.
Derek Chang, a graduate student in history, closed the event by comparing the teach-in to larger movements for inclusion, democracy and equality.
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