US: A university chancellor in the US has issued an apology for disparaging Asian languages in a speech he gave earlier this month. His words were videotaped, and they are reportedly being shared online after some people took issue with them for being “racist.”
The chancellor of Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, Thomas L. Keon, has come under heavy fire online for disparaging Asian languages in his speech at the school’s winter commencement.
Before making fun of Asian languages on stage, Thomas L. Keon only said, “Well, all I can say is,” before adding, “That’s sort of my Asian version of his.” At this moment, the chancellor actually started to laugh. The audience, however, didn’t find it as funny despite the other performers on stage laughing as well. A user called shared the video.
A university chancellor in the US has issued an apology for disparaging Asian languages in a speech he gave earlier this month. His words were videotaped, and they are reportedly being shared online after some people took issue with them for being “racist.”
The chancellor of Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, Thomas L. Keon, has come under heavy fire online for disparaging Asian languages in his speech at the school’s winter commencement.
Before making fun of Asian languages on stage, Thomas L. Keon only said, “Well, all I can say is,” before adding, “That’s sort of my Asian version of his.” At this moment, the chancellor actually started to laugh. The audience, however, didn’t find it as funny despite the other performers on stage laughing as well. A user named Rich shared the video.
Also Read: Delhi Acid Attack: DCW summons Amazon, Flipkart for “easy availability of acid”
Watch out the video here:
After receiving harsh criticism for the “offensive” speech and four days later, Keon published a long apologies on December 14. He apologised profusely, saying, “I am extremely sorry for my unplanned, spur-of-the-moment response to another speaker, as my comments have created confusion, hurt, and fury.”
Additionally, he discussed the university’s efforts to promote diversity and provided the example of a PRIDE team endeavour. “Purdue University Northwest, and I personally, take great pride in being welcoming and inclusive to all people. Earlier this fall I announced the formation of a PRIDE Team initiative whose mission is to promote an open, respectful and welcoming culture and the opening of a ‘multicultural lounge to encourage the sharing of ideas from students of all backgrounds.”
Have a look
After the apology, though, folks weren’t all that convinced, and they voiced their feelings in the comments area.
“Can you imagine announcing that you initiated a program to support diversity and inclusion and two months later doing this? I can’t comprehend what kind of person could do this,” a user said.
“Deeply disappointing: @PurdueNorthwest humiliated not only its AAPI community and the invited visitors but also its legacy as an institution of critical thought with the cheap Micky Rooney sendup during their commencement,” wrote another user. I’m hoping their recent and upcoming graduates are paying attention.
Also Read: More than 650 cases of acid attacks in India, West Bengal tops the list, reveals data
View the reactions here:
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
