Asian American Studies Strikes Back!

Wednesday, May 6 at Northwestern University's Hardin Hall



In 1995, student activists at Northwestern University organized a hunger strike to pressure the administration to establish an Asian American Studies program. The hunger strike lasted 23 days, not only raising awareness and support from Northwestern students, but also from campuses around the country. Four years later, in 1999, the Asian American Studies Program was introduced as a minor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the hunger strike at Northwestern. Next week, Asian American Studies is holding an event, Asian American Studies Strikes Back! in celebration of the student protest that led to the establishment of the program. It's happening Wednesday, May 6 at Northwestern's Hardin Hall.

Here are some more details about the event:

We demand the release of the El Paso 37

Sign the petition in support of Punjabi asylum seekers unjustly detained in Texas



Calling your attention to this petition from 18 Million Rising that could use your support...

In June 2013, more than forty Punjabi men -- all of them members of a minority political party -- fled India because they feared for their lives. Their journey brought them to the United States where they hoped to find safety and freedom. But they did not find asylum they had hoped for.

Instead, these asylum seekers have been trapped in Texas at the El Paso Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center. Despite proving their identities and certifying their reasons for asylum, they have been detained indefinitely by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department.

Now thirty-seven of these unlawfully detained Punjabi men -- the "El Paso 37" -- are on a hunger strike. Some of the hunger strikers have been hospitalized, and many others are in danger. But they've made it clear that they're not ending the strike until they're released.

Sign this statement and tell ICE to release these asylum seekers immediately: