IRVINE : UCI to Study Classes on Asian-Americans

After a protest rally by more than 100 mostly Asian students Friday, a top UC Irvine administrator agreed to explore starting an Asian-American studies program at the university.

Executive Vice Chancellor L. Dennis Smith met with eight student representatives after the noon rally and a march through the administration building, UCI ombudsman Ronald Wilson said.

Asian students had complained earlier this week that although they represent 34% of UCI’s 16,500 students and 41% of the freshman class, the university offers just two classes on Asian affairs. By contrast, UCLA offers 34 classes in Asian affairs, and UC Berkeley offers 26 such courses, according to speakers at a Tuesday conference that was part of UCI’s Asian Heritage Week.

During their meeting, which lasted more than 1 1/2 hours, students told Smith of the need for more courses reflecting Asian cultures. Smith told them that he will appoint an academic committee to begin developing an Asian-American studies program, said Wilson, who was at the meeting as adviser to the Asian student group. Smith also agreed to permit consultants chosen by students to review the plan.

Such committees are already meeting in regard to African-American and Chicano-Latino studies programs, Wilson said, adding that Smith has indicated his desire to see the African-American program begin in the fall if funding can be found.

Students also demanded that four Asian lecturers be hired as faculty. Because of budget constraints, Smith told them that he could not meet that demand, Wilson said.