Last Tuesday, the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion held a flag raising ceremony in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month.

While AAPI Heritage Month isn’t officially until May, the Myatt Center decided to extend its celebration as spring classes end early next month.

The first instances of dedicating a month of the year to appreciating AAPI heritage date back to the 95th congress (1977-1978). Five joint resolutions proposed that a week in May should be used to commemorate the accomplishments of the AAPI community.

Joint resolution H.J.Res.1007 was introduced in The House of Representatives by Rep. Frank J. Horton and was later passed by congress. It became Public Law 95-419, which directed then President Jimmy Carter to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on May 4, 1979, as Asian/Pacific American Week.

In his proclamation, Carter praised Asian Americans’ contributions to America and said,“Asian-Americans have played a significant role in the creation of a dynamic and pluralistic America, with their enormous contributions to our science, arts, industry, government and commerce.” Carter also acknowledged the discrimination they had faced.

“Until recently, our immigration and naturalization laws discriminated against them,” Carter said. “They were also subjected to discrimination in education, housing, and employment. And during World War II our Japanese-American citizens were treated with suspicion and fear.”

Over the next decade, Carter, Pres. Ronald Reagan and Pres. George H.W. Bush continued to issue proclamations yearly, designating a week in May to honor those in the Asian Pacific American community.

In 1990, Congress passed Public Law 101-283. This law amended Public Law 95-419, and requested the president to issue a proclamation expanding the observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week into a month-long celebration starting May of 1990.

On May 7, 1990 Pres. Bush issued Proclamation No. 6130, and designated May 1990 as the first Asian/Pacific Heritage Month.

In celebration of AAPI Heritage month, the Myatt center will be hosting eight events throughout the month, such as AAPI Craft Night, AASU Formal Dinner and more.

The flag raising ceremony saw several university leaders and students speak,share their support and tell personal stories.

Barbara J. Lawrence, the university’s vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging (DEIAB) spoke at the event. In her speech, Lawrence reaffirmed the school’s commitment to being a safe space for Asian/Pacific American students.

“This month is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to fighting anti-Asian racism, and take collective responsibility, battling all forms of bigotry and discrimination here on campus and beyond,” she said.