The University of Wisconsin law student who first started the outrage regarding a professor's comments about the Hmong community will be honored with an award May 18.

KaShia Moua is receiving the Barbara B. Crabb Award for "promoting the ideals of honestly, fairness and equality" under law, UW Law School Assistant Dean Ruth Robarts said.

In February, Moua circulated information alleging UW law professor Leonard Kaplan made racially charged statements about Hmong culture in a Feb. 15 lecture, which she did not attend. The ensuing controversy prompted an emotionally charged community forum, and prompted some to call for Kaplan's dismissal. In an open letter dated March 5, Kaplan denied making the statements Moua attributed to him.

Moua will receive the award May 18 at the annual Honors and Awards brunch before the UW Law School's "Presentation of the Colors" at the Monona Terrace. Robarts applauded Moua for her passion during the Kaplan incident and said Moua displayed strong signs of leadership throughout the ordeal.

"During the controversy here, and despite all the controversy and bad feelings, I think personally that she showed a great deal of honestly, integrity and self-restraint," Robarts said.

Moua also helped guide students through a difficult time, Robarts added, and thus kept everyone's feelings voiced and organized.

"She provided some leadership during what could have been an even more difficult time here at the Law School," Robarts said.

As of press time, Moua did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Although Moua played an imperative role in speaking out against Kaplan, Robarts said, she was involved with the UW Law School in many other areas that contributed to her award.

"That was not the only thing that she has done since she's been here," Robarts said. "Many of our students who get these types of awards distinguish themselves in services to clients or clinical programs."

Law School Dean Ken Davis was unavailable for comment Thursday.

The Barbara B. Crabb Award is given away annually based on nominations from UW Law School faculty. Crabb is currently a federal judge for Madison's western district, Robarts said, adding that she is "very well respected."

The award is funded by Crabb's current and former law clerks, as well as a number of local attorneys.

"They admired what they saw when they were working for her and they created a fund in her name that they allow us to give out once a year," Robarts said.

Recipients of the award "receive a certificate and a small cash prize" of an undisclosed amount, Robarts added.

The UW Law School gives out numerous awards at its annual Honors and Awards Brunch, and all are based on various criteria. Robarts declined to disclose which professor nominated Moua.

When contacted by The Badger Herald Thursday, both Kaplan and the UW Hmong American Student Association declined comment.