We, the undersigned, support the efforts at Williams College to institutionalize Asian American Studies for reasons including but not limited to the following:

-Like Africana Studies and Latino/a Studies, Asian American Studies is an important academic discipline that would fulfill a vital curricular gap at Williams by exploring the influence and effects that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had on constructions of American identity, society and culture.

-The limited number of courses currently offered is not sufficient for a full understanding of the discipline.

-The institutionalization of this concentration would ensure that courses are offered in the field every year so that all students (not just Asian American students) can have access to these academic opportunities.

We believe that an Asian American Studies concentration would be an invaluable addition to Williams in furthering the college’s ongoing commitment to increasing both intellectual and cultural diversity.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to email us at aastudies.williams@gmail.com.