Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

34° Evanston, IL
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Letter to the editor: APAC responds to tennis attack

Two days ago, an act of physical aggression occurred against two fellow Northwestern University students, Sasijaree Rianterawongs and Priyanka Seshadri. The incident and subsequent reactions were deeply troubling from campus safety and unity perspectives, because we are all entitled to feel safe and welcome. We as a community must support those who have not felt comfortable in Evanston and Northwestern’s campuses. This episode presents not only explicit racism and sexism on campus, but the subsequent commentaries reflect deep misunderstanding and division over the facts and credibility of the victims. Numerous individuals have expressed concerns and criticisms over the authenticity of the racial incident. As it is an ongoing investigation, we are left with several uncertainties, including the identity and potential Northwestern affiliation of the suspect. Being members of the Northwestern community, we need to unite and support the two young women involved. Regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity, they deserve our confidence and support instead of doubt and criticism. It takes a huge amount of courage to bring this attack to Northwestern’s attention and endure the stressful aftermath with all its questioning. This is especially true during this period of critical discussion. Thus, it is in the interest of the Northwestern community to seriously contemplate about why events like this happen and why only the more extreme incidents ever reach the light of day. To the Asian/Asian American community, these students experienced physical and emotional harassment on the basis of their race and gender. This could have happened to anyone. We in the Asian/Asian American community must have a serious discussion and united front about the issues that stand in front of us. We encourage all Asian/Asian American students to actively participate in the discussions concerning safety and inclusion on campus over the next few weeks. Our voices are just as valid and just as powerful as any other member of the Northwestern community. If anyone has ever felt the need to voice the way they feel, now is the time. An issue confronts us collectively as Asians/Asian Americans that can only be solved by collective deliberation and action. The Asian Pacific American Coalition will not allow this event to go unnoticed. We will continue to advocate for Asian/Asian American socio-political issues and encourage people from all over campus to join in dialogue. In addition, we fully support and will stand united with the statements provided by the Asian NU Project and the South Asian Student Alliance. We want to let these young women know that the Northwestern community stands in solidarity with them.

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Letter to the editor: APAC responds to tennis attack