As a former member of Asian Students in America who was involved in the development of the Asian and Asian-American studies minor, I believe ASIA’s depiction in The Daily Orange as a ‘racist organization’ is unjust. While I do not agree with the assertion that professor Susan Edmunds is ‘unqualified,’ I do understand the grievances of the students involved in this controversy. ASIA has always sought to address the intellectual and emotional needs of the Asian and Asian-American community on campus. While the university largely ignored these issues for a long time, ASIA has filled this void by educating and empowering its members. The organization has been a leading advocate for the creation of the minor. Though AAA is an academic program, it is also a culmination of a long struggle.

I believe the issue is not with Edmunds, per say, but stems from the underwhelming development of the program. Classes are sporadic and are often taught by adjunct professors. There is an insignificant number of faculty members designated for the program, and none of them specialize in the area of Asian-American studies (Edmunds has her bachelor’s and doctorate in English). Currently the minor has no chair. And without a leader, the program is doomed for failure. Though I understand it will be a long process to create a viable and world-class program, there must be more action taken by the administration to prove its dedication to the minor. Students, and in particular ASIA, are reluctant to give up the reigns because of past apprehensions. However, the administration, faculty and students must work together to address the issues at hand. Without that, there will only be more frustrations and misunderstandings that will undo all the hard efforts that came before.

Andrea Wangsanata

Senior in the College of Arts and Sciences