The collection includes correspondence, memoranda, minutes, proposals, course materials, financial records, newspaper clippings, subject files, flyers, photos, publications and other records pertaining to the history and recent activities of Stanford Asian American students, staff, faculty and alumni. Included are materials pertaining to Asian American Studies, the Asian American Activities Center and its affiliated student organizations as well as historic materials documenting early student efforts to establish these organizations and programs. These materials would be useful to those seeking information about the history of the Stanford Asian American community/Asian American student organizations/or significant events that helped to establish and shape the community.

Early History Asian and Asian American students have been a part of Stanford history beginning with the inaugural class in 1891. The Japanese Students Association and the Chinese Students Association were founded in the early 1900s as the first Asian and Asian American voluntary student organizations. In 1913, the first professor of Asian decent, Yamato Ichihashi, was hired in the history department. Racial tensions resulted in the establishment of the Japanese Clubhouse (1916) and the Chinese Clubhouse (1919) as safe residences for students of Asian descent.

42.75 Linear Feet

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California 94304-6064. Consent is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s) or assigns. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested at least 48 hours in advance of intended use.