Cornell Hapa celebrates and shares the mixed-race experience. We aim to provide a forum for the exploration and promotion of mixed-race issues (such as ethnic identity, culture, and family), and also to foster friendship and unity among people of mixed race and between all peoples. We value and embrace diversity, and hope to break down existing rigid notions of race by promoting pride in our multiple heritages.

The HSA and our events are open to all interested in mixed-race issues.

Read the constitution.

Q: What does "Hapa" mean?
A: Hapa is a Hawai'ian word (from the Pocket Hawai'ian Dictionary):


"Hapa" is often used to describe a person of mixed Asian ancestry; however, we feel that this definition is incorrect and too narrow. Cornell Hapa has joined other groups in promoting "Hapa" as a term encompassing all racially mixed people.

Q: What do you guys do?
A (long): In spring 2001, we had many meetings and discussions about mixed-race issues; fun get-togethers like a Mixed Food Fest and an end-of-year Hapa BBQ; a trip to Harvard for the Pan-Collegiate Conference on the Mixed Race Experience; published a magazine, "Other"; plus we ran a Minority Bone Marrow Registration Drive that registered 154 people. All this in just our first semester as a group!
A (short): We do lots of fun events and get-togethers related to mixed stuff, and have meetings.

Q: Why do we need a Hapa club?
A: Why not? We all have a lot in common but never really talk about it or hang out together. How many mixed people do you know?

Q: It sounds like you're just trying to make another minority category.
A: The Hapa Student Association is NOT about just establishing another "category" under which to classify people. To the contrary, the HSA aims at building bridges between different ethnicities; as a multiracial/multiethnic group, we are in a unique position that allows us to celebrate diversity through our multiple heritages. Ideally, our mixed backgrounds should allow us to reach beyond ethnic divisions, rather than divide people.

Remember: Hapas are not a separate group, but part of the constituency of every ethnic community.

Q: I thought the HSA was just for mixed Asians. Is this true?
A: No! Although the HSA started in Spring 2001 as a mixed-race Asian group, we soon found this too narrow and changed our focus due to demand from members (many of whom are not Asian). This decision was made mid-semester and was ratified into the constitution by the end of the semester. We have members of all ethnicities and encourage all mixed people (and non-mixed people) to join!

Q: Do I have to be mixed to join the HSA?
A: No! All people are encouraged to join. Again, the HSA is about building bridges, not dividing people. Anyone interested in multiethnic/multiracial issues should come and check it out.

Q: How do I join?
A: Click here and fill out some info.