Commentary: AAPI statement on racist incidents at Drake

The following editorial by the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity Faculty group addresses the problem of structural racism at Drake University. In particular, the structures associated with the organizational position of University president. The AAPI wants to clearly state that this opinion is not directed at the current holder of Drake University president position, but rather the position of University president. The AAPI is firm in its belief that President Martin is truly dedicated to eradicating structures of oppression across all of the University. Cameron Tuai (AAPI Representative) ———— In light of the current and ongoing racism targeting the Black student population, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity faculty group stands with students, faculty and staff of color, and in particular, the Black student population. We demand that now is the time for Drake University to act upon its commitment to “redressing historic injustices that result in continued marginalization of members of specific groups … and respond to contemporary calls for inclusivity as necessitated by social justice.” The University president must recognize that as he walks through the entrance to Old Main that the presidential portraits looking back at him will continue to look like him and his predecessors as long as Drake allows “acts of oppression, be they denial of freedom of expression, discrimination in its various forms of sexism or racism or intolerance of religion, age, sexual orientation or political beliefs.” The AAPI Affinity group believes that this recognition and admission of privilege will begin to redress the burden — emotional, physical and mental — that students of color face from overt racism and microaggressions every day. We hope this acknowledgement will allow the Drake community to finally “come together” to see diversity, equity and inclusion within both the position of president and in portraits that celebrate us as a community.