Dear American studies, Latino(a/x) and Asian American/diasporic studies communities, and welcome, Class of 2024 —

Aisha M. Beliso-De Jesús. Photo by Sameer A. Khan/Fotobuddy
This fall 2020 commences amidst a global pandemic where, through quarantine and death, our country confronts structural anti-Black police violence, enormous healthcare failures, and an oppressive economy. All this with an impending U.S. presidential election that marks one of the most important moments of our lifetime. American studies offers a virtual and actual site to continue to have difficult discussions. This year we endeavor to provide spaces for critical analysis that push against racism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, and xenophobia. In doing so, we support the development of Native and Indigenous studies at Princeton.
I hope that our BIPOC students can come to us and rely upon us as a resource to navigate academia during these difficult times. We acknowledge the violence of the past and present, and honor those who have fought and continue to fight for justice in order to re-think these multiple “Americas.”
Aisha M. Beliso-De Jesús
Director, American Studies, Latino Studies, and Asian American Studies
Professor of American Studies
Princeton University