Asians students don't fit single label

In response to The Chronicle's Oct. 23 article "Only Asians see bump in percentage for '11," it is important to note that there is a large amount of diversity even within the Asian label that is so commonly bestowed upon our population.

Duke does not release data on students that identify as South Asian, East Asian or Southeast Asian, etc., giving the impression that there is one overpowering cultural group that is seeking to dominate the campus.

It is erroneous to lump all the Asians at Duke into one label since we are so culturally different among ourselves. I would be hard-pressed to find someone who would say that the viewpoints of a Chinese-American student would be the same as an Indian-American or Japanese-American student at Duke.

By not recognizing that the label of "Asian" does not indicate one population, the facts are easily misrepresented and skewed. Although the University's minority recruitment efforts-particularly its efforts toward economically challenged students-leave much to be desired, students should still celebrate the move that Duke is making to increase diversity.

By increasing the diversity of the incoming classes, the University will continue to excel in promoting social learning and cultural opportunities. I would encourage all students to go beyond the skin-deep and discover the different types of diversity that each incoming class has brought to Duke.

Cristian Liu

President, Asian

Students Association