AAST Minor, Lei Danielle Escobal, Publishes Op-Ed in DBK on Demanding Asian American Studies Major at UMD

On March 11, 2022, AAST minor student, Lei Danielle Escobar, published an op-ed in The Diamondback titled, “It’s time for an Asian American studies major at UMD.”

“Know History, Know Self. No History, No Self” is a phrase coined by José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. I had not heard of Rizal or my people’s history until my Filipino American History and Biography class through the Asian American Studies program last semester. As a Filipina American student, there are times when I feel so disconnected from history taught in the current curriculum. I am lost in a sea of my Asian American identity, and no one has taught me how to swim — until my experience with the Asian American Studies program.

In 2000, this university established its Asian American Studies program after years of student and faculty activism dating back to 1970. This semester, the Asian American Studies program, or AAST, offers nine courses with only three core faculty members. The program is not a department due to a lack of faculty and resources. As of 2019, the Asian American student population is 15.3 percent, or roughly 6,200 students. 

For the largest racial minority on campus, there’s no reason the current Asian American studies minor program shouldn’t be expanded into a major. But the numbers are not the only justifiable reason. It is just as important to have Asian American Studies major like it is to have an African American Studies major or Jewish Studies major regardless of the student population.  

Read the full article.