Beyond Heritage Month: Supporting and Empowering Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Communities as Campuses Reopen
Institutions across the United States host a variety of programs and events throughout the month of May in recognition of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. This month-long recognition serves to honor and celebrate the rich histories, achievements, and contributions of APIDA communities while also providing an opportunity to shine light on the very real hardships they are facing today. According to a recent study from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State University San Bernardino, the number of reported anti-Asian hate crimes in the nation’s largest cities and counties has increased by 164% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Many fear that these numbers will continue to rise as more campuses and businesses reopen in the coming months. This begs the question: How can we reach beyond heritage month to actively support and empower APIDA communities at our institutions year-round? Join us for a two and a half-hour collaborative session during which we will explore this question together. Through a combination of panel discussion, individual reflection, and collaborative activities, you will leave this session with: a deeper understanding of the diverse groups being represented under the APIDA umbrella. examples […]
