Spring Break
Support given to Asian Americans
Senate passes resolution that sets aside April to recognize Asian, Pacific American heritage
Nicole Strittmater
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: News
To celebrate Asian Americans' achievements and culture as well as promote diversity on campus, Student Senate passed a resolution 27-0-1 in support of an Asian American Heritage Month in April.
Currently, the population of Asian American students on campus is 3.29 percent, according to the resolution, and while UW-Eau Claire holds other heritage months, there isn't one specifically for this.
"We think we should offer more support since we do have a lot of students that come from this background," said Katya Voelker, Student Services Commission Director and an author of the resolution.
While members supported the overall sentiment of the resolution, some questioned why the campus would hold celebrations in April rather than in May, which is when the national Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month takes place.
"It makes sense for me that if the national Asian/Pacific Heritage Month is in May then we should have ours in May. We should fall in line with the national organization," Sen. Adam Sorelle said.
Sen. Davendra Raj, however, said he thinks a month-long celebration is better, and since most students will be gone mid-May when school ends, it's not ideal.
"The event being held in April gives students more time to appreciate the Asian culture and heritage," he said.
While Finance Commission director Tom Holtan wasn't sold on the idea of holding it in April, he said the premise of the celebration is great and should be incorporated into the campus' events.
"With the strategic plan aiming towards diversity, I think part of this mission is going to be very helpful," he said.
The passing of the resolution expressed the Senate's support for a month-long celebration. In order to recognize an Asian American Achievement Month, administration must discuss the topic before ultimately approving of the official recognition to take place in the years to come.
Currently, the population of Asian American students on campus is 3.29 percent, according to the resolution, and while UW-Eau Claire holds other heritage months, there isn't one specifically for this.
"We think we should offer more support since we do have a lot of students that come from this background," said Katya Voelker, Student Services Commission Director and an author of the resolution.
While members supported the overall sentiment of the resolution, some questioned why the campus would hold celebrations in April rather than in May, which is when the national Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month takes place.
"It makes sense for me that if the national Asian/Pacific Heritage Month is in May then we should have ours in May. We should fall in line with the national organization," Sen. Adam Sorelle said.
Sen. Davendra Raj, however, said he thinks a month-long celebration is better, and since most students will be gone mid-May when school ends, it's not ideal.
"The event being held in April gives students more time to appreciate the Asian culture and heritage," he said.
While Finance Commission director Tom Holtan wasn't sold on the idea of holding it in April, he said the premise of the celebration is great and should be incorporated into the campus' events.
"With the strategic plan aiming towards diversity, I think part of this mission is going to be very helpful," he said.
The passing of the resolution expressed the Senate's support for a month-long celebration. In order to recognize an Asian American Achievement Month, administration must discuss the topic before ultimately approving of the official recognition to take place in the years to come.
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