Assistant Dean of Students Daisy Rodriguez gave the first annual State of Asian-Pacific-American Awareness address last night in Newcomb Hall, speaking about issues of diversity, segregation and racial unity. The speech was one of the scheduled events for Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month.
Rodriguez explained the results of a survey sent to Asian-Pacific-American students at the University this year. Of the approximately 2,900 students who identify themselves as Asian-Pacific-American at the University, 460 responded. Among the many statistics discussed, over 51 percent of respondents claimed they had experienced or witnessed incidents of discrimination, while 65 percent of respondents said they feel welcome at the University.
Over 50 percent of respondents said they were aware of the new minor in Asian-Pacific-American studies. Over 90 percent said they are not involved in what Rodriguez characterized as "mainstream student organizations" such as Student Council, the Honor Committee, the University Judiciary Committee and Residence Life.
"I would hope that if a similar survey was done five years [from] now, the responses would be different," she said.
Rodriguez said the University faculty and administration should make efforts to become more culturally sensitive and aware of issues in the APA community. She said students in the community need guidance and personal support to become empowered and referred to APA students as the "silent minority."
"U.Va. needs to be a climate where it is less threatening and hostile," Rodriguez said.
After the speech, Rodriguez answered questions about her Office's response to incidents of racial discrimination, although no specific incidents were discussed.
"Currently, there is a committee of individuals that are actively putting together a reporting system that will actively be in place by the fall semester," she said.
Rodriguez said her Office also would implement an aggressive marketing strategy in the fall to increase awareness of APA issues in the general student population. In addition, she mentioned the possibility of assigning every incoming APA student an advisor.
Julie Chen, vice president of administration for the Asian Student Union, said she was disheartened by several of the statistics presented in the speech.
"I think our primary concern for the ASU and the APA community is to see the statistics translate into credible action," Chen said.
ASU President Drew Austria said he agrees with Chen that the University needs to act to improve upon the issues raised by the statistics. Austria said he plans to work on strengthening his organization internally as well as creating unity outside of the community.
Genevieve Cruz, co-chair for organizing the Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month, said fostering unity among the many different Asian organizations at the University will help increase awareness and
participation.
"Especially when a racial incident happens, we want to be a political force in that respect," Cruz said.
Rodriguez said defining the word "minority" and catering to the needs of the multitude of ethnic groups within the Asian community are some of the issues her Office is confronting.
"Ultimately, it would be great if there were no minorities," Rodriguez said.
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | 7 hours agoSheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 23 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
