Meng Condemns Purdue University Northwest Chancellor’s Racism Toward Asians

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued the following statement condemning the racist, insensitive, and offensive imitation made by Purdue University Northwest Chancellor, Thomas L. Keon.

"Honestly, I don't know what is more hurtful. The fact that Chancellor Keon thought his joke was funny, or that many in the audience laughed. Over the past few years, we have seen the evidence of harm that these stereotypical tropes and racist caricatures, even in so-called jest, can perpetuate among our communities. The comments made by Keon were offensive and dangerous," said Congresswoman Meng. "His racist imitation no doubt caused pain to the student body and faculty at Purdue University Northwest and so many more. We have to continue to call out instances like these so that they never become the norm in our schools, neighborhoods and nation."