Author: Ziggy Ghassemi

1: https://youtu.be/yVJ0bgbQbQY

2: https://youtu.be/Gfx-TsNSXOo

3: https://youtu.be/NFwPg5OBHvk

 

Loop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZurjC7b-ds&feature=youtu.be

 

“The major endorses UCI’s commitment to diversity and will serve a diversity of students; it is not targeted to a particular group, but to a wide variety of students.” – UCI Academic Senate Major Approval Letter, 1997

“In order to diversify the student body populations the campuses must create and expand existing programs to extend educational opportunity to disadvantaged individuals.” – Michelle Chung, 1996 Rice Paper  

“This alternative newsmagazine represented a voice for the Asian Pacific American community at UCI. The paper educated and helped raise awareness on this campus.” – Audrena Cheung, 97’ Final Rice Paper Publication

In order to restructure the dominant paradigm of higher education, it is necessary to diversity the curriculum with ethnic perspective. To accomplish this end, we must hold the entire Administration accountable for failing to uphold their duty of maintaining the quality of higher education.  – Editor’s Note, Rice Paper Winter 1993

“The student-faculty interaction is so, so important. This is where having someone of your own ethnicity comes in. As a Chinese American, how can I expect a Euro American counselor to counsel me on family problems? They won’t understand me.” –John Ing, Rice Paper Winter 1993

 

 

 

Timeline for Development of AAS at UCI

1965:  Founding of UCI

1965 Immigration Act

1968-1969:  Third World Student Strikes at SFSC and UCB establish Ethnic Studies

1975-early 1980s:  Fall of Saigon and Refugee migration of Southeast Asians to the U.S. and globally

1979:  Association for Asian American Studies is founded.

1983: Winter quarter of 1983 East/West ties publishes first newspaper.

1987:  APSSA, the Asian American Pacific Student and Staff Association formed at UCI in response to a student suicide and the need for support for AAPI students.

Southeast Asian Archive is founded at UCI.

1988:  APSSA split into the Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA) and the Asian Faculty and Staff Association (AFSA)

Winter 1991:  East/West Ties, a student newspaper with a more international focus) transitions to Rice Paper that is more Asian American focused.

“This alternative newsmagazine represented a voice for the Asian Pacific American community at UCI. The paper educated and helped raise awareness on this campus.” – Audrena Cheung, 97’ Final Rice Paper Publication

Spring 1991:  Concerned student organizations in the Cross-Cultural Association came together to form ESCAPE (Ethnic Students Coalition Against Prejudicial Education).

13 APSA constituents

ASSU

BSU

MEChA

“Right now you are witnessing, experiencing something that has never happened on this campus before: a unified minority.”Eveline Shih, member of APSA.

April 18, 1991 Rally idea began during ASUCI council meeting when Thomas Hei, APSA chair, gave Jack Peltason a list of three demands.  

• Formation of Asian/Pacific American Studies Program
• Hire a Faculty consultant  to evaluate the formation
• Hiring 2 Asian/Pacific American FTE to teach the courses in Fall 1991

Gave him until noon Friday to complete demands.

April 19, 1991 Executive Vice Chancellor Smith meets with ESCAPE in closed door meeting (New University Vol. 23, No. 25)

Peltason does not agree to demands.  Groups meet in Cross Cultural Center to rewrite demands and make them multicultural.  Called for more Ethnic professors, more Ethnic FTEs, more individual courses, and student participation into Ethnic Studies.  

16 Ethnic Groups (ESCAPE) met with Dennis Smith to demand diversity and to demand for the immediate formation of Ethnic studies citing that 45% of the student body is white so other ethnic groups should be better represented in the curriculum.  While the meeting was taking place, more than 200 students, staff, and faculty waiting outside.  Smith agreed that there should be more ethnic studies but would not say when they will be implemented and cited budget cuts.  

April 20,1991:  ESCAPE protests for ethnic studies at Wayzgoose. (New University Vol. 23, No. 25)

200+ people march through Aldrich Park, officials cut electricity but KUCI allowed them to use equipment.  

“Being a college radio station, we want to do all we can to promote diversity,” said Joachim Vanee, the station’s program director.

“There is a measure of support on this campus for their concerns, but I’m not sure that this was the way to accomplish it,” said Director of Student Activities Randy Lewis. “But I certainly wouldn’t to want to undermine the importance of the concems of those who participated in the demonstration.  I hope they can keep dialogue open and take the concerns from the park to the conference room.”

April 29, 1991: New U article ESCAPE continues to fight for Ethnic Studies

“It’s all or nothing.  In terms of our demands, I think the administration has a responsibility to bring things up to par within the next year.  Nobody should wait for or five years to see results.” Mae Lee, ESCAPE activist.

Lee stated that they will present a list of faculty that is qualified.  Scheduled a meeting May 3rd with Smith, Academic Senate, and faculty members to discuss demands

“This move is historical.  I don’t think a coalition like this has occurred since the Third World movement for ethnic studies at Berkeley and UCLA twenty years ago.” Thomas Hei.

May 27, 1991: New U Cultural Diversity Section

Ethnic Studies Strong at other UCs

Student continue ESCAPE.  Still have the same demands.  African American proposal currently being reviewed by the CEP.  APSA would not have a proposal ready by June.  

November 14, 1991 Symposium on Ethnic Studies co-sponsored by ESCAPE, ASUCI Lecture Series, and Cross Cultural Center.  They discuss if they want to have one large ethnic studies program or multiple interdisciplinary programs.  

“By creating these separate units, you divide them and force them into competing with one another,” said Professor John Liu.  He later goes on to talk about the importance of Comparative Culture.

November 18, 1991: New U article about ESCAPE

Symposium Brings Ethnic Studies together

ESCAPE needs to iron out fine points of new program

ESCAPE needs to decide whether each program would be independent from each other or will they be under one umbrella program which encompasses all ethnic groups.  

“At this point everything is dynamic, changing… many of the premises that guided us (ESCAPE) are no longer valid.” Robert Rodriguez, ASUCI vice president of academic affairs.

Administration has agreed to most of ESCAPE’s demands.  African American Studies just became a minor.  Asian American Studies has started a search committee for faculty.  They are looking to start a Native American Studies, and Chicano/Latino Studies named acting chair.  

Jan. 6, 1992: “Breaking stereotypes is one of our biggest struggles” By Leslie Park from Rice Paper (New U)

March 19, 1992 Dean Matsubayashi sends Dr. Horace Mitchell, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Campus Life, a letter discussing the student services for Asian/Pacific American students.  The letter expresses appreciation that Dr. Mitchell discussed about the lack of Asian/Pacific American Staff within student affairs and lack of services at Feb. 13 meeting.  Matsubayashi states that APSA has offered to process names for those who can act as student representatives on the search committee.  

April 27, 1992: “C.V. Housing Smokes H.E.M.P. rally”- And in 1987, UCI officials decided that all Asian clubs on campus would be required to provide extra security at their events after an uzi-toting Vietnamese gang showed up at a campus party. (New U)

April 29-May 4, 1992:  L.A. Rebellion/Sa-I-Gu

May 11, 1992: “L.A. rage changes students’ lives”- I was looking at the test for five or ten minutes, just staring at it … When your family’s store burns down, how can you not let that affect you?’ Eric Choi  (New U)

September 21, 1992: First in a series on Asian American Issues- “Changing the face, keeping the issue” & 5 Months after the L.A. Riot (New U)

September 28, 1992: Second in a series of Asian American Issues- “Breaking the Model Minority Myth”  (New U)

October 5, 1992: Third in a series of Asian American Issues- “The myth of Asians in Media” (New U)

October 12, 1992: Search committee for Asian American Studies faculty had been formed a year prior   “Student Diversity does not translate to studies” “Gaping hole in curriculum- Still no Asian American Studies”  (New U)

October 19, 1992: “More Asian American Faculty needed at UCI” Asian American Students speak out (New U)

November 23, 1992: “1993 Swimsuit Calender Asian Women of Southern California” Order Yours Now!” (New U)

February 16, 1993: Dean’s undergrad forum, Social Science Dean says rep. isn’t a priority

April 22, 1993: Storming Chancellor’s office after 300+ person protest (Dan Froomkin Article, OC Registrar)

May 1993:  35 day Hunger Strike, book ended with occupations of the Chancellor’s office (forms, letters from Cross Cultural Center, Box 9)

June 10, 1993: 2nd Storming of the Chancellor’s Office

September 7, 1993 Eileen Chun, chair of APSA, sends a letter to Kim Ayala expressing extreme disappointment over the lack of communication and formal notice for the applicants for the undergraduate counseling position in the summer.  There were earlier conversations that would allow APSA members into the search community, but that was not possible.  There was a compromise where students would be allowed to participate in open interview during the final rounds.  However, APSA was not allowed because of “political” reasons.  They are upset that no other student representative was there.

Sept 20, 1993: Dr. Yong Chen recruited

October 1993: The Alliance Working for Asian Rights and Empowerment (AWARE) founded by Librarian Daniel Tsang, watchdog group for police who were attacking Viet. youth

December 4, 1993 Eileen Chun sends a letter to Dr. Thomas Parham about the part time position in the counselling center and APSA’s concerns.  The final candidates are not qualified to meet the diverse UCI population and the position should be full time permanent position to allow for stability and continuity.  

January 24, 1996: racially motivated murder of Thien Minh Ly, graduate of Georgetown, by two white men who described him as a “Jap” at Tustin High School

1996-1997:  AAS offers a minor.  

Course Catalogue 1996-1997
Participating Faculty:

 

• Yong Chen, Assistant Professor in History, Asian American History and Asian American Studies.  
• Dorothy Fujita-Rony, Assistant Professor in History and Asian American Studies,
• Claire Jean Kim, Acting Assistant Professor of Political Sciences,
• Karen Leonard, Professor in Anthropology  
• John M. Liu Associate professor in Social Sciences.

Dorothy Fujita-Rony and Claire Jean Kim are hired for this school year.

1997: Rice Paper magazine ends

1998-1999:  AAS offers a major.

Course Catalogue 1998-1999, Southeast Asian Archive Newsletter Winter 1998

Participating Faculty:
Yong Chen, Assistant Professor in History, Asian American History and Asian American Studies.  

• Dorothy Fujita-Rony, Assistant Professor in History and Asian American Studies,
• Claire Jean Kim, Acting Assistant Professor of Political Sciences,
• Karen Leonard, Professor in Anthropology  
• John M. Liu Associate professor in Social Sciences.
• Ketu Katrak, Director and Professor of Asian American Studies and Professor of English and Comparative Literature

Advisors:

Professor Judy Wu:

Professor and chair of the Department of Asian American Studies, joined the University of California, Irvine, faculty in 2015.  She received her Ph.D. in History from Stanford University in 1998.  She taught previously at Ohio State University from 1998-2015 and at the University of Chicago while on sabbatical in 2005-2006.  In 2016-2017, she collaborated with Dr. Thuy Vo Dang to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Asian American Studies and the 30th anniversary celebration of the Southeast Asian Archive.  Beginning in winter 2017, they launched a research internship program and worked with the students to investigate the history of Asian American Studies at UCI.  This research project became BADAAS@UCI.  Prof. Wu explores the politics of activism through her scholarship and engaged in protest to establish Asian American Studies at Stanford University. For more information, please see her website:  https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile.cfm?faculty_id=6123 and her digital narrative about why she became invested in Asian American Studies:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=417325787835&l=3625091853836887713.

Professor Thuy Võ Đặng:
Dr. Thuy Vo Dang is the Curator for the Southeast Asian Archive at the University of California, Irvine. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego and has conducted research on and taught courses on race and ethnicity, oral history, cultural studies, immigration and refugee studies. She serves on the Board of Directors for Arts Orange County and the Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association, both nonprofit arts organizations. Vo Dang was featured in the OC Weekly’sInaugural People Issue as the “Studs Terkel of Little Saigon” and received the “Public Image Award” from Asian Americans Advancing Justice. She is co-author of Vietnamese in Orange County, published in 2015. She is currently working on A People’s Guide to Orange County (forthcoming, UC Press), a book project that foregrounds unseen stories of the region through a social justice lens. Part of a research team awarded an IMLS Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian grant in the community anchors category, she researches the intersection between ethnic studies theory and community archives practice.

Members:

Maribel Comparan:
I am a fourth year at the University of California, Irvine with a double major in Asian American Studies and Spanish. I am a curious and passionate person interested in diverse communities and cultures. I was born in Southern California and spent the early years of my life in Mexico. My family immigrated to Stockton, California, after living in Mexico for 5 years. I have always been interested in Ethnic Studies and firmly believe that learning about other ethnicities can expand our understanding of the world. I am involved in a research project called The Beginning of Activism for the Department of Asian American Studies at University of California, Irvine. This project has opened many doors for me, as well as greatly expanded my knowledge of student activism. I hope to apply to the 4+1 M.A. program in Asian American Studies at UCI this year and eventually earn a doctorate and become a professor.

Ziggy Ghassemi:
I am a third year transfer student at the University of California Irvine. I am majoring in Comparative Literature. I am half Persian, and being so I have been surrounded by another culture my entire life. With this, came an appreciation for different cultures. Originally, at my old school, I was an English major. However, after a bit, I realized what I loved doing was seeing comparisons in literature throughout different cultures. One of the classes that made me realize this was my Survey of World Literature class at Santiago Canyon College. Through my life experiences I have come to believe that a study of different cultures can expand and possibly change how we see the world. Joining the Beginning of Activism of the Department of Asian American Studies at the University of California, Irvine research group, has helped me broaden my perspectives of other cultures. After this year, I will be applying to Master and Doctorate programs in Comparative Literature.

 

Justine Trinh:
I am in the inaugural cohort of the 4+1 M.A. program in Asian American Studies. I graduated last year with a B.A. degree in Classics and Asian American Studies and a B.S. degree in Mathematics. I decided to pursue an M.A. in Asian American Studies because the courses helped me to to learn more about myself and my community. I grew up in Orange County as a Vietnamese American, never realizing what was so special about Little Saigon. It was something I always took for granted. By continuing on, I am hoping that I get a better understanding of the world around me and to delve deeper into my identity.

Cayla Zhang:
I am a third-year majoring in Asian American Studies and African American Studies. I originally hail from Chicago, and moved out to California to pursue Ethnic Studies. I believe that Ethnic Studies allows people to form critical understandings of the world and gives communities of colors the tools they need to organize and transform their world. I am also involved in community organizing, particularly in Asian-American and immigrant rights organizing. In the future, I hope to use my knowledge of community organizing and ethnic studies to bring transformative power to the communities I care about.

 

Past Members:

Khaila Amazan-Hall:
I am a fourth year Film and Media Studies at the University of California, Irvine. After I took the class “Asian Americans in Media,” I decided to minor in Asian American Studies as a way to continue my interest in culture and media studies. Some of my favorite Asian American-centered films are Nanook of the North and Better Luck Tomorrow since they deal with issues such as Asian American portrayal and identity in film. I hope to use my knowledge of the Asian American cultural issues to improve representation for Asian Americans in media and to help bridge the gap between Black and Asian American communities.

 

Alex Nguyen: I am an alumnus of University of California, Irvine, and a former member of the group. At UCI, I majored in Asian American Studies and Public Health Policy and am currently pursuing an MPH at University of California, Los Angeles. Originally, I joined the group because I knew a little about the history of activism on campus but wanted to learn more. What we’ve found as a group through interviews and archival research has not only stunned me but also inspired me to pursue my own dreams with the same amount of passion and zeal that we saw in our research. I’m very glad that the research and the project continues because there is still a lot to be discovered. I am hoping that through this work, we can share their story and empower others to chase their dreams as well.

 

Vivian Luu: AAS was such an integral part of my time at UCI. I chose to volunteer for the AAS research internship because my experience with this history was very limited to what I had heard in my AAS classes.  My professors briefly mentioned how students fought to have AAS at UCI and how there was a hunger strike in the 1990s. Being a part of this internship allows me to analyze and contextualize the history of AAS as a living process with many people involved instead of a single or defining moment. The founding of AAS at UCI happened on Ring Road, in front of buildings we pass by everyday, and in the spaces we study or work in. The thought of that really excites me! There’s so much history around us when we take the time to look around and listen. Looking through the archival collections, in general, has been very exciting! My favorite has to be reading through Rice Paper, which was a newspaper for Asian American and Pacific Islander students in the 1990s. Students, staff, and faculty contributed articles, artwork, and creative writing pieces relating to the AAPI community and what it means to be AAPI. It was neat to see that students created this space for themselves to explore their identities and cultures as well as have conversations that we are still having today!

 

The Beginnings of Activism for the Department of Asian American Studies (BADAAS) at University of California Irvine, was created for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Asian American Studies Department. Through interviewing the activists and sifting through archival material, the group is uncovering what led to the eventual foundation of the Asian American Studies department.

Research Methodology:

Our research methods involved examining primary sources as well as conducting interviews to get a wider perspective. We looked at the Academic Senate Records as well as the Cross Cultural Center Records which are both housed in Special Collections under University Archives. There is also surviving footage of the 1993 protests which is view-able online. For our interviews, we invited past alumni and faculty members to talk about their experiences for advocating for Asian American Studies or their UCI experience with Asian American Studies. We are currently in the process of making a short mini-documentary about our project.

Sources We Looked at:

Academic Senate Records: http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt3779n7ks/

Cross Cultural Center Records: http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt967nd67n/

Rice Paper: http://antpac.lib.uci.edu/search~S7?/Xrice+paper&SORT=D&searchscope=7/Xrice+paper&SORT=D&searchscope=7&SUBKEY=rice+paper/1%2C108%2C108%2CB/frameset&FF=Xrice+paper&SORT=D&searchscope=7&1%2C1%2C

1993 Protest Footage: http://ucispace.lib.uci.edu/handle/10575/14142

UCI Stories: John Liu and Tu-Uyen Nguyen: https://ucistories.lib.uci.edu/interviews/john-liu-tu-uyen-nguyen

UCI Stories: Manuel Gomez and Jenny Doh: https://ucistories.lib.uci.edu/interviews/jenny-doh-manuel-gomez