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Publication Date

Spring 2018

Degree Type

Thesis - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

English and Comparative Literature

Advisor

Noelle Brada-Williams

Keywords

Diversity, Filipino-American, Filipino Student Association, Pilipino Cultural Night, Social Justice, Student Organizing

Subject Areas

Creative writing

Abstract

Filipino Student Association is a 111 page screenplay that explores the complexity of intersectionality and diversity in academic spaces. The screenplay follows Nino, the youngest core officer of Cowell University’s Filipino Student Association, or FSA for short. Tasked with the clubs’ oldest tradition, Nino must create a live production that highlights Filipino and Filipino-American history. Filipino culture is rich with several influences such as Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and American (and many more) cultures. However, after a racially charged altercation happens at an FSA after-party, Chancellor Bloom puts the club on probation. The club becomes divided when trying to form a response to the consequences of the party; half the club thinks they should work with the university in order to ensure its place on campus, while the other half thinks they should push back against the university for not responding to overt racism. Conflict arises between other student ethnic organizations, which further puts FSA at odds with each other. Later, a race riot ensues on campus during an FSA event, which rallies the club back together. Again, Chancellor Bloom punishes the club, effectively dissolving the organization at the end of the year, but does not punish the students who started the riot. FSA, along with other student ethnic organizations, puts together a huge protest in response to Bloom’s actions. Finally, Bloom agrees to FSA’s terms and the club can continue to operate on campus.

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