Last week, I attended a transformative Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) workshop sponsored by the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development at the University of Delaware. I’m deeply grateful for the engaged and thought-provoking conversations with colleagues and facilitators.
Through this workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of the complex history surrounding land-grant universities. Many were built on land forcibly taken from Indigenous peoples, and systemic discrimination has long marginalized Black communities in accessing resources.
As an Asian Extension faculty member, I recognize that the model minority myth has often been weaponized to justify discriminatory policies and to neglect the unique needs of Asian communities. This myth not only silences Asian voices but also perpetuates the inequities faced by other historically disadvantaged groups.
I hope more members of the Asian community will actively engage in DEIJ efforts. It is crucial for us to work collectively to ensure that UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) Extension programs truly benefit all communities, especially those historically excluded or underserved.
Let’s continue these conversations and take meaningful actions toward creating an inclusive and equitable future.
