Demand For Change: Ohio State students take a stand against anti-Asian xenophobia, brutality
A crowd gathers in protest in front of Thompson Library. Photo Credit | Ezekiel Achaempong
By: Ezekiel Acheampong
Although the weather had many passersby buttoning up, warmed only by their desire to condemn the recent uptick in Asian-related hate crimes, Ohio State students and faculty alike gathered in front of Thompson Library Thursday to demand action from university administration.
Just one of many diverse voices who took a stand, Ryan Concha, a second-year in political science with deep ties to the Asian-Latino community, said he took the opportunity to speak up against white supremacy at the rally.
“When the founding fathers said all men are created equal, they only meant the white men who owned property,” Concha said. “They didn’t want us to have power in this nation. They are afraid of what we’ll do with this power, they are afraid of our communities, they are afraid of us.”
Within the past year, attacks against Asian communities have been on the rise, and with the pandemic as a centerpiece to spread hate and turmoil, consequences of anti-Asian bias have already led to numerous tragedies.
Concha also said because of COVID-19, he felt displaced in his community. On occasion, he was warned by supposed friends to watch out because he might have “the China virus.”
And although he's afraid that small shows of solidarity won’t be enough to affect change, Concha said he’s hopeful for the next generation.
“I hope that we are able to make significant change. The younger generation is very vocal and seeing how many of my peers came up today and talked gives me hope for the future,” he said.
During the rally, event leaders also made demands for the administration to take more action in supporting the minority student body. The list included increasing funding to support Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders on campus, creating education that addresses white supremacy and decreasing the role of police.
While many students shared their personal experiences, one faculty member was compelled to share the history behind the oppressive systems rooted within American history.
Pranav Jani, director of Asian American studies and associate professor of English at Ohio State, took center stage to talk about the storied history behind ethnicity and race, and warned people not to put aside marginalized people among people of color.
“How do we get the university to not see these as constituents that have to vie for money, but as integral to the university in the 21st century?” Jani said.
Passionate and stern, Jani ended on a lighter note, and encouraged his peers to be strong in the face of adversity.
“We have to be hopeful. We have to look at what is the next link in the chain,” he said. “To our beloved community, these are devastating times, but you are not alone. We hold you in our hearts, always.”