Please read the petition below. Thanks Charissa Cheah (Psychology) for sharing.
Urging the Resignation of Chancellor Thomas Keon (Purdue University Northwest) for Racist Anti-Asian Mockery
December 15, 2022
To the Purdue University Board of Trustees:
At the Purdue University Northwest fall commencement ceremony on Dec 10, Chancellor Thomas L. Keon imitated an "Asian" language in front of family and friends who were celebrating the achievements of their loved ones. Although Chancellor Keon issued an apology, which was accepted by the Board of Trustees, it is clear from his statement that he does not understand the impact that his racist behavior had and is having on Asians and Asian Americans, who are already experiencing and coping with heightened levels of anti-Asian hate since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Racism directed toward Asians and Asian Americans in the United States has a long, violent history that dates back to the 1800s and continues to impact the safety and health of this growing and heterogeneous population. The statement by Kris Falzone (Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications) to the Chronicle of Higher Education that the Chancellor’s statement was taken out of context is further troubling. The Vice Chancellor’s statement not only excuses but also justifies the anti-Asian racist comments made by Chancellor Keon. Furthermore, the complicity of the other administrators and faculty on stage who laughed at the Chancellor’s comments is equally troubling as it reveals an environment in which racist behavior such as this is accepted, tolerated, and encouraged. The response by the Purdue University Board of Trustees to accept Chancellor Keon’s superficial apology without meaningful action leads us to recommend the following.
We the undersigned are urging the Purdue University Board of Trustees to:
Request Keon's resignation as Chancellor
Empower and fund campus diversity initiatives, led by Asian American students, staff and faculty, to create a more inclusive and safe environment for Asians and Asian Americans at all Purdue University campuses
Require anti-racist training for all administrators, staff, faculty, students at Purdue University Northwest
Signatories: (use the link to submit your signature)
Signatures indicate the personal endorsement of the individual and may not represent their institution/employer and/or any funding agencies.