Speaker describes minorities' problems in workplace

Calling for increased education for minorities and for a end to job discrimination, a Princeton University official said in a speech Friday that the United States is at a critical juncture in its planning for a changing economy. At a two-hour speech and discussion, Princeton Director of Training and Organizational Development Anu Rao -- also a member of the Philadelphia's Mayor Commission on Asian-Americans -- detailed many of the problems now facing minorities in the workplace. Rao, a doctoral candidate in City and Regional Planning at the University, backed up her discussion by citing several statistics from the Hudson Institute's 1986 Workforce 2000 report. The report, commissioned by the Department of Labor, presented findings on population growth, patterns of migration, and changes in the economy which will affect the future workforce. According to Rao, the report offers the United States "the opportunity to shape the future," because it will help prepare minorities for the high-tech and service jobs which will be open to them in the future. This event was one of the first sponsored by the Pan Asian Circle -- a newly-formed student organization representing Asian women's issues. Circle Coordinator Amy Hsi said that at times she feels "very disconnected from the Penn community." She said she hoped the group will allow Asian women to "meet and talk. . . about their experiences at Penn and throughout their lives." The program, which began as a formal lecture, was quickly turned into an informal question and answer session as students pulled their chairs around to form a circle. Rao cited numerous cases of both job and police discriminations that minorities face. Rao, an immigrant, reported that "police treatment of Asians has been deplorable," and said that more of minorities' concerns need to be addressed by the general public. "The violence against Asians which goes ignored by police and the courts is frightening." she said. "I've been shocked not just at the brutality, but at the total apathy of the police." Audience members said the discussion was very informative. Panhellenic Council President Anita Hsueh praised the presentation saying it was "one of the few programs for Asians on this campus and it's about time." Penn Women's Center Staff member Michelle Ray added that while other minorities have support groups, the circle is the first group aimed at Asian women. She said she hopes the group succeeds since it is "good for Asian women to have their own support group."

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