We firmly believe that establishing an ASUW South Asian Student Commission is essential to address existing disparities, foster a more inclusive campus environment, and celebrate the unique traditions and perspectives of South Asian students at the University of Washington.

The term "Asian" is broad and encompasses a wide range of cultures, making it challenging to provide equal representation and opportunities for all South Asians on campus. Currently, The Asian Student Commission (ASC) serves many of the registered South Asian student organizations on campus. However, over the past two decades, there has been a concerning lack of representation for South Asians within the ASC, with only one South Asian assistant director from 2002-2024. The singular movie night for South Asians, which took place on February 9, 2018, was a commendable initiative that coincidentally happened during the year with a South Asian assistant director. This emphasizes the need for increased diversity in administrative roles to reflect better the diverse voices and experiences of South Asian students. It also demonstrates the need for more frequent events that celebrate the cultural richness of South Asian communities

A dedicated ASUW South Asian Student Commission would address this issue directly, ensuring a more focused approach to understanding and meeting the unique needs of South Asian students.

Many South Asian student organizations lack visibility and are unaware of the funding opportunities available from ASUW for their respective causes. Establishing a South Asian Student Commission would not only centralize information but also actively facilitate communication between ASUW and these organizations, ensuring they are aware of available resources to support their initiatives.

There is understandable concern about how the establishment of a South Asian Student Commission might result in division among various Asian communities on campus. It is crucial to emphasize that creating a dedicated space for an underrepresented population does not diminish the value of the existing work by groups like ASC. Instead, it guarantees representation and inclusion for diverse South Asian communities that may not have felt adequately supported within the current framework.

In conclusion, establishing an ASUW South Asian Student Commission is a proactive step towards fostering a more inclusive, representative, and supportive environment for South Asian students at the University of Washington. We would appreciate your support on this petition as it has the potential to positively impact the experience for South Asian students at the University of Washington. Thank you for your time and consideration.