About | AASC

A healthy planet where all people are valued and treated as equal members of a democratic and inclusive society.

1. Deepen research on Asian American and Pacific Islander populations across disciplinary and epistemic boundaries.

Facilitate collaborative research among faculty, researchers, students, community organizations, educational institutions and civic associations
Document our histories and collect historically significant materials, including books, films, documents, digital recordings, ephemera and more
Fill gaps in knowledge about Asian American and Pacific Island populations
Provide fellowships, scholarships, internships, grants, information access and other research support to faculty, students, and community scholars

2. Disseminate knowledge about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the scholarly community and the broader public from informed perspectives.

Publish and expand the distribution of Amerasia Journal, AAPI Nexus, CrossCurrents, e-newsletters, books, monographs and curricular materials
Create a digital media platform for the dissemination of historical collections, research projects, webinars, publications, videos and creative productions
Expand communications with local, national and international organizations, media networks, alumni, faculty and supporters

3. Apply knowledge and scholarship on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the service of positive social change.

Build an Asian American and Pacific Islander Policy Initiative in collaboration with local, state and national efforts to impact public decision making
Translate scholarly research to support curriculum development in Asian American and ethnic studies for K-12 education
Build awareness and leadership capabilities alongside other communities through educational, cultural, service, training, literary and civic engagement activities
Strengthen relationships with other ethnic studies departments and centers as well as communities across cultures and color lines

Karen Umemoto, Ph.D.

Dear AASC friends, colleagues, and supporters:

We are deeply troubled by the violence that has unfolded in Israel and Palestine, the suffering and mounting loss of life, and the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Here at home, we raise concern over rising Islamophobia and antisemitism surrounding the conflict that threaten the safety and liberty of Muslims and Jews alike, as we believe that all life is precious.

While antisemitism is inexcusable, charges of antisemitism are unfortunately being leveled at educators and educational institutions, effectively muffling open political discourse and expression. Combined with recent movements to ban books and speech concerning issues of race and gender identity, the rights of academic freedom and freedom of speech hang in the balance. It is of utmost importance to preserve the rights to academic freedom, freedom of speech and due process in order to preserve basic democratic rights more broadly.

These rights are critical for educators and students striving to heal a divided society with greater understanding of who we are in all our many hues and histories. Our two focal initiatives—to increase the voices of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in policy making and to include our histories and experiences in K-12 and college curricula—are key to shaping new narratives that are inclusive and justice minded. Alongside the other Ethnic Studies centers under the Institute of American Cultures, we continue to work together towards these and other shared aims.

We hope you will join us on this important journey.

With gratitude,

karen_signature

Karen Umemoto, Ph.D.

Helen and Morgan Chu Endowed Director's Chair

UCLA Asian American Studies Center