Asian Americans on the University of North Carolina campus say they feel like props for diversity, and they’re tired of it, reports the Daily Tar Heel.
The concerns came up as part of a panel discussion organized by the Asian Students Association and Rad Asians.
“I’m tired of UNC-Chapel Hill using Asian American students and using me as a faculty member for purposes of diversity when it suits them, without actually attending to the actual needs of Asian American students,” said Jennifer Ho, director of UNC’s graduate English program.
Students brought up concerns about microaggressions and even blatant forms of racism such as being called “chinky” during a classroom discussion.
“Especially in the racial context of right now, where you have all these things like Black Lives Matter happening, it’s important to also bring up, well, what does it mean to be Asian American,” said Jasmine Sun, vice president of the Asian Student Association.
You can read more about microaggressions and dealing with racism and the need for cultural groups on campus in the Daily Tar Heel.