1977-1984: “Reagonomics,” Refugees, and Racial Hatred

An Asian woman wearing cat ears and face paint resembling a cat works at a desk in an office. She is using a typewriter and have papers and files around. A sign reading Ethnic Studies is visible on the desk.

JoAnn Okabe-Kubo dresses up for Halloween. Despite the placard in the picture, she would not join the Ethnic Studies (then ICS) Division until 2002. (La Voz, 1981)

Overview

The 1970s and 80s are often characterized as a time of conservative “Reagonomics” and backlash to the Civil Rights movement. At De Anza, the Ethnic Studies Division was rebranded to Intercultural Studies (ICS). The radical dialogue of the previous decade took a backseat to “multiculturalism” as ethnic student groups favored cultural activities over politics. Despite budget cuts, the ICS and Multi-Cultural Program continued operating, and student enrollment in Ethnic Studies courses increased. The minority student population increased as well due in part to an influx of Southeast Asian refugees. This led to economic resentment among the existing student population…but also opportunity for the emergence of a new pan-ethnic Asian American political unity.

Illustration of a person wearing a hoodie and working from their laptop
I noticed that many student groups promoted a more toned-down message in La Voz, celebrating multicultural heritage through food, music, arts, etc. This was perhaps born out of a desire to be more inclusive, but we also interpreted it as backtracking from their more radical political stances during an era of conservative pushback and renewed racism.

Key Events

A Black man and two White women sit at a curved conference table in discussion. The man holds up a sheet of paper, gesturing while talking. The women are listening attentively, with one taking notes. Papers and folders are spread out on the table.

De Anza students holding a meeting. (La Voz, 1977)

Winter 1977

Division renamed to Intercultural Studies

At the Division retreat, faculty unanimously agree on a name change from Ethnic Studies to Intercultural Studies in order to sound less "caustic to the ear."

Vintage photograph of a building with large windows and a tiled roof, surrounded by trees and a street lamp in front.

Flint Center (La Voz, circa 1979)

Fall 1977

New dean

Herbert Perkins becomes the new Ethnic Studies Dean. As part of his tenure, Perkins established the ICS Advisory Council in 1977. The Council, consisting of representatives from the Asian, African, Latino, and Native American groups, met monthly to discuss the Division's activities and priorities. It played a crucial role in shaping the direction of ICS during its early years.

The Council continued to operate until around 1993-1994. Its dissolution coincided with Paul Fong's election to the Board of Trustees and Duane Kubo becoming the Division Dean. At that point, the Division had gained more institutional support and representation, reducing the need for this advisory body.

Illustration of a person looking over their glasses

We know that another key figure appears during this time: Division Assistant Lupe Robles-Sane. Robles-Sane, alongside Okabe-Kubo (pictured above), who would later join as the second Division Assistant, played crucial roles in the development of Ethnic Studies at De Anza. However, official records of Robles’ contributions and title are noticeably absent—we only learned of her through interviews with other individuals.

The fact that both Robles-Sane (Chicana) and Okabe-Kubo (Asian) were both women of color in professional support roles—positions rarely interviewed or documented for public record—prompted us to consider how many other individuals are systematically overlooked in official historical accounts.

A Black man with short curly hair, wearing a jacket over a button-up shirt and overalls, gazes thoughtfully

Stokely Carmichael in 1966 (Wikipedia)

May 12, 1978

"Stokely embellishes oratory"

A La Voz staff columnist criticizes activist Stokely Carmichael's recent appearance at De Anza.

A Native American man wearing traditional regalia stands outdoors, adorned with intricate feather headdresses and armbands

A Native American man dressed in ceremonial attire at the Powwow, which was an annual event at De Anza. (La Voz, 1985)

June 6, 1978

Proposition 13 fallout

Proposition 13 is passed in California. La Voz articles including "What if Prop. 13 passes?" and "Passage of 13 causes district level confusion" highlight the ensuing challenges at the district level, including reduced funding for Intercultural Studies and other student services.

A person passionately playing a taiko drum, wearing a traditional headband and robe, with an intense facial expression.

A member of San Francisco Taiko performs on campus. (La Voz, 1978)

Fall 1978

Division adds new subject areas

The Division reorganizes itself under several new subject areas: African Studies, Afro-American Studies, Asian Studies, Asian-American Studies, Chicano Studies, Latin American Studies, and Native American Studies.

In addition, the general Intercultural Studies subject area boasts courses focusing on Third World peoples, cross-cultural perspectives, and education.

A Chicana woman in a traditional dress is joyfully dancing with a flowing skirt, surrounded by musicians playing instruments.

Cinco de Mayo celebration at De Anza sponsored by MEChA (La Voz, May 12, 1978)

December 1, 1978

"MEChA sets sights; drops political image"

De Anza's MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) student chapter decides to deprioritize politics and focus on "less abstract efforts."

Four people roller skate under an arched pathway. They are side by side, smiling and enjoying the sunny day.

De Anza students practice rollerskating (La Voz, 1979)

Fall 1979

New dean

Olivia Mercado, Chicano Studies instructor, becomes the new Ethnic Studies Dean.

Black and white image of a hot air balloon with a number on it, surrounded by a group of people on a grassy field.

Hot air balloon from the annual De Anza Day event. (La Voz, 1980)

June 6, 1980

"Intercultural Division works for courses in world affairs"

Plans for an A.A. degree in International Studies are in the works. The major will be designed to give students opportunities to "go into the business, political or economic areas of international relations."

A detailed black and white illustration depicts various social issues, including homelessness, veterans struggles, aging, and disability.

An illustration critiquing the effects of U.S. foreign policy. (La Voz, 1981)

October 10, 1980

"Aliens exhaust funds"

The expiration of California State Education Code Section 68076.6 on June 30, which had provided tuition exemptions for "alien students," has led to the majority of De Anza College's financial aid being allocated to Southeast Asian refugee students.

A black-and-white photo showing police officers in riot gear, including helmets and batons, standing in front of people wearing white robes and hoods.

Riot police protect Klansmen from protestors. Despite community opposition, the San Jose City Council granted the Klan use of the public park. (La Voz, 1981)

April 17, 1981

“Klan spawns hatred and violence in San Jose”

The White supremacist group Ku Klux Klan (KKK) holds a recruitment rally in St. James Park, San Jose, as reported by both La Voz and The New York Times. Protestors show up en masse. Some chant and throw rocks, while others sing songs and speak out against racism.

A cartoon depicts the Statue of Liberty holding a fishing rod. She says, You’re over the limit. Throw it back! to a boat labeled U.S.A overflowing with immigrants.

Reprint of an anti-refugee comic (La Voz, 1982)

January 22, 1982

"College feels foreign impact"

The influx of "foreign-born" students, particularly refugees from Southeast Asia, leads to discussions about their impact on De Anza. Concerns about strained resources and program cutbacks are met with the stance that "the integration of immigrants is an essential part of our democracy."

Two women smiling, one holding a bouquet of flowers and the other holding a document. Both are dressed in formal attire.
March Fong Eu commends De Anza for observing Asian Pacific American Cultural Month by presenting an official resolution to a student council member. (La Voz, 1982)

April 24, 1982

“Eu speaks to students”

California Secretary of State March Fong Eu speaks to students as part of Asian Pacific American Cultural Month celebrations. She urges the Asian American "class," now strong in number, to unite and participate more in government.

Black and white image of a young Asian woman with short hair, smiling. They are wearing a dark turtleneck under a light top.

Counselor Susanne Chan, who later helped found De Anza's Asian American staff association. (La Voz, 1980)

Fall 1982

Ethnic Studies enrollment flourishes

A La Voz article entitled "Mandatory classes bolster ethnic studies" reports that Ethnic Studies enrollment has increased by 16 percent over the last five years, with more than 2,000 students enrolled in the fall. The minority population in Sunnyvale and Cupertino has also increased from 12.8 to 22.9 percent of the population.

The Division also offers a new International Studies subject area with a global focus.

A black and white artwork depicting several figures with angry faces and outstretched arms pointing towards an Asian person standing to the side. The background features Chinese characters on a wall.

Illustration from an article on prejudice towards Asian students. (La Voz, 1984)

February 8, 1984

Anti-Asian hate attack

Anti-Asian resentment on campus escalates into a hate crime when an Asian student is beaten by three White students in Parking Lot B. The perpetrators are never identified.

Illustration of a person looking over their glasses

When I read this, I can't help but think of the 1982 beating and death of Vincent Chin in Detroit. Then, racial violence grew from broader U.S. anxieties over Japan's rising economic power. In 1984 at De Anza, racial violence grew from resentment against students who were refugees from the U.S. war in Southeast Asia.

A person looks at a bulletin board filled with notices about classroom changes and class cancellations at De Anza College. The notices are printed on paper and cover most of the board.

A student is confused by the plethora of "Classroom Changed" signs posted on the wall. (La Voz, 1981)

Fall 1984

De-departmentalization

All Division courses in the course catalog are consolidated underneath Intercultural Studies in the 1984-85 course catalog. Distinctions between the African, Afro-American, Asian, Asian-American, Chicano, Latin-American, and Native American Studies subject areas are removed. International Studies remains its own subject area.

Illustration of a person wearing a hoodie and working from their laptop

I wonder why they suddenly decided to erase all subject area distinctions by glomming everything underneath one category.

Our best guess is that the political climate at the time was hostile towards Ethnic Studies in general. I mean, the KKK holding recruitment rallies in San Jose...an Asian student getting beaten up on campus...wild times.

Takeaways

Illustration of a person looking over their glasses

Karen, I think you're onto something.

We know that the Division changed its name from "Ethnic Studies" to "Intercultural Studies" in 1977. After that, there was lots of change. There were big budget cuts and people leaving positions who were not replaced. The Multicultural Department (EOPS) and Bilingual Center became a part of the Division, and faced continual risk of going under. The Division geared International Studies courses for industry, as training for supervisors managing different ethnic groups.

It sounds like Ethnic Studies was pretty besieged during this period.

The Division was on the defensive. It worried about protecting the Multicultural Department (EOPS) and the Bilingual Center. And International Studies sought new students—business professionals.

I mean, compared to the early years, the campus as a whole was no longer talking about eliminating institutional racism. What was urgent about the 1960s now became "too political." Instead, the campus was talking about too many refugees using up college resources. There was palpable racial resentment toward Asians. Add to this the stress of budget cuts and a college reorganization in 1984.

I get the sense that the political climate of the period pushed the Division to find ways to survive institutionally. In this context, I guess it's no surprise that Ethnic Studies merged into Intercultural Studies.

Next: 1985-1990

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