US university chancellor apologises for mocking Asian languages in speech
Thomas L. Keon, the chancellor, is a graduate of Purdue University Northwest. A university chancellor in the US has issued an apology for disparaging Asian languages in a speech he gave earlier this month. His words were videotaped, and they are reportedly being shared online after some people took issue with them for being “racist.”
The chancellor of Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, Thomas L. Keon, has come under heavy fire online for disparaging Asian languages in his speech at the school’s winter commencement.
On stage, Thomas L Keon said, “Well, all I can say is,” just before mocking Asian languages, adding, “That’s sort of my Asian version of his.” The chancellor, in fact, laughed at this point. Everybody else present on the stage also chuckled, but the audience, on the other hand, wasn’t as amused. The video was shared by a user named Rich Lee on Twitter.
Four days after the ‘offensive’ speech and receiving severe backlash, Keon issued a lengthy apology on December 14. “I am truly sorry for my unplanned, off-the-cuff response to another speaker, as my words have caused confusion, pain, and anger,” he said.
US university Chancellor apologises for mocking Asian languages in speech
He also talked about the initiatives taken by the university for inclusivity and gave the example of a PRIDE team initiative. “Purdue University Northwest, and I personally, take great pride in being welcoming and inclusive to all people. Earlier this fall I announced the formation of a PRIDE Team initiative whose mission is to promote an open, respectful and welcoming culture and the opening of a ‘multicultural lounge to encourage the sharing of ideas from students of all backgrounds”.
WTF. Can’t get more racist than this @PurdueNorthwest administrator. Who is this person? #AntiAsianHate #StopAsianHate @AcademicChatter pic.twitter.com/Wt7d9pxM8J
— Rich Lee (@RichLeePhD) December 13, 2022
An Apology from Purdue University Northwest Chancellor Thomas L. Keonhttps://t.co/EXkONnU5rh pic.twitter.com/FKWB6D98EC
— Purdue Northwest (@PurdueNorthwest) December 14, 2022
