Asian Students At South Philadelphia High School See Slow Changes In School Violence

CNN (10/18, Hoye) reports that "after being attacked as a freshman and witnessing other attacks on Asian students" at South Philadelphia High School, Wei Chen "founded the Chinese Student Association to help new Chinese students -- many who recently immigrated to the country -- adjust to life at" the school. "He also kept track of the incidents of violence against Asian students." Last year, Asian students at the school held rallies during school hours to take a stand against the bullying. "The boycott helped trigger nationwide attention to the violence against Asian students at South Philly High," and "a federal investigation was launched following a formal civil rights complaint filed by the Asian American Legal Defense Fund." After the investigation, "he Justice Department...instructed the school system to improve the treatment of Asian students." CNN adds that "today, the perception among students and their families is that things are slowly changing."