On Jan. 25, members of the Asian American community met with Vice President for Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Mel Bernstein at the Start House in an open forum to talk about issues facing Asians on the Tufts campus. One such concern was the cramped size of the Start House, which functions both as an administrative office for the Asian American Center as well as the residential Asian American cultural unit for eight students. Many felt that the Start House seemed too small to comfortably accommodate events and meetings, especially given the fact that Asian Americans constitute the largest minority population on this campus. Vice President Bernstein assured us that the community would be able to maintain its desirable central location and even discussed the possibility of expanding the facility.
Thus, we were very surprised to read in the Daily ("Case for new dorm to be brought to trustees," 2/6) that the real estate occupied by the Start House is a potential location for a new dorm. As current residents, we are confused about the impression we received from Bernstein just two weeks ago that supported both the center and residential unit's presence on this campus. We are also very concerned about the possible threat to the Start House posed by a possible new dormitory.
The Start House serves as a vital resource center for Asian-American students at Tufts. Its physical presence helps establish a sense of community and is a meeting place for academic, political, and social gatherings. The house is open to all members of the Tufts population who wish to learn about the Asian-American experience. We sincerely hope that the administration recognizes the importance of the Start House and supports maintaining its location and presence on campus.
Tanai Kamat, LA '03
Amee Kantesaria, LA '02
Kristen Kawachi, LA '02
Mika Mutoh, LA '03
Joe Pak, LA '02
Caroline Park, LA '03
Mimi Trinh, LA '02
Devang Vasani, LA '03
