Fueled by more funding from the state for ethnic studies, San Diego State University is hiring two new faculty members to build its first Asian American Studies department.

The Daily Aztec reports the chair of the school’s Sociology department is calling this a game of catch up.

I don’t think two (faculty members) is enough,” she said. “But two is better than one, and I’m very happy and privileged to be a part of this process.”

Right now the university has just three Asian American courses at a school that is 13 percent Asian.

“We are committed to these issues. So the time is right. We’re meeting the moment,” said Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan, a member of the search committee, said to 10 News.

Loh-Hagan believes all students, not just Asian Americans, would benefit.

“One way to better connect with people is to know the culture. So an API Studies class would be a great place to learn.”

The plan is to offer a major in Asian American Studies and new class offerings. There have already been 140 applicants for the two positions.

Student Mirei Kubota told the Daily Aztec that she has been active in offering input into the selection process.

“If they hire someone we don’t like then it’s kind of our fault for not attending these meetings and voicing our opinions,” Kubota said. “I like to attend and get to know the person before considering them to be our representative.”

The selection committee says students don’t have a role in making the actual hire but emphasized their input is welcomed and needed.

Many students said they only became engaged following the recent opening of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Resource Center.

“I think this is the power of having a resource center here,” Loh-Hagan said. “The minute we started thinking about having an APIDA Center, it immediately framed my mind to be thinking about the resources and programs for our students.”

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