For Immediate Release: December 09, 2009

Contact: Michelle Nguyen |  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 215-334-1500

Philadelphia, PA – BPSOS, a Vietnamese American non-profit organization serving Greater Philadelphia, has joined with local community groups to support Asian students who were victimized in a series of racially-motivated attacks at South Philadelphia High School.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, at least 26 Asian students were assaulted by groups of students at the school, both inside and outside of the school building. At least seven injured students received medical treatments at area hospitals. Numerous assaults on Asian students have reportedly occurred in the past years without actions taken by school officials.

A committee of Asian students met with school district officials the day after the December 3, 2009 attacks, but the students were not satisfied that the school was taking adequate safety measures. In response, approximately 70 students launched a week-long school boycott, starting Monday, Dec. 7. 

“It is unacceptable that this situation has gone on for years, not only at this particular school but also in many neighborhoods in our community. But what’s worse is that the school officials kept saying that violence was ‘not a problem’ and that the incidents were not ‘racially motivated,’ said Nancy Nguyen, Delaware Valley Branch Manager of BPSOS.

Ms. Nguyen has recruited Vietnamese students and their friends to meet with local community organizations during the boycott to gather student testimonies and draft demands to present to Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission (SRC). BPSOS staff facilitated the student discussions.

Rather than focusing on their attackers, the students agreed to bring attention to the school administration and advocate for initiatives to support cultural awareness and safety for all students.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Ms. Nguyen and a group of students, parents, and community leaders made statements before the SRC.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, Executive Director of BPSOS, called upon school officials and community leaders across the country to support the students affected by the violence. “We decry the racially motivated violence and stand in solidarity with the Asian American students and parents in Philadelphia. This issue is not simply a ‘black vs. Asian’ racial conflict. From school officials to the government to community leaders, we all must face our shared responsibility in ensuring all our children a good learning environment built upon ethical teaching, cultural understanding, and tolerance,” said Dr. Nguyen.