Alhambra : Forum on Race Strife Set

The Alhambra School District will sponsor a community forum Monday in response to concerns of Asian parents who say school officials are not doing enough to prevent racial strife between Asian, Latino and Anglo students.

The forum, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Mark Keppel High School auditorium, was proposed by the Chinese Parent-Teachers Assn. of Southern California after an Oct. 25 fight between Asian and Latino students at Alhambra High school that left a Chinese student gravely injured.

The student, who suffered a critical stomach wound during the off-campus fight, is reported in improved condition. It was the second serious outbreak of violence between Asian and Latino students at Alhambra High in less than a year.

Associate Supt. Heber J. Meeks, who met two weeks ago with representatives of the Chinese PTA, said the forum will give school officials an opportunity to explain existing school programs designed to alleviate tensions between Asian newcomers and established students.

Supt. of Schools Bruce H. Peppin and representatives of Alhambra’s three high schools will take part in the presentation. Parents have been invited.

“The forum will consist of a review of the programs the district now has to alleviate tension and to help newcomers assimilate,” Meeks said. “Then we’ll open up the forum to the parents. We want to give them an opportunity to air their concerns too.”