Asian Americans’ diverse perspectives: stakeholders at a selective, Asian-majority school

Abstract

This essay examines two perspectives among Asian (Pacific) Americans (APAs) regarding race-conscious school admissions and standardized exams. The first, influenced by critical race theory, views APAs as racialized minorities, supports race-conscious policies to challenge white supremacy, and criticizes standardized exams as racially biased. The second argues diverse ethno-racial groups assimilate into and contribute to a liberal-individualist society, that race-conscious policies hinder this integration, and that standardized exams are fair measures of merit. Using quantitative and qualitative data, this study reveals various views among APAs, including among students, teachers, parents, and a consultant at a selective Southern California school.