PeaceJam | Racial issues in turmoil at UCSD

Racial issues in turmoil at UCSD

Posted 2/26/2010 at 12:26 PM by Andy S in Affiliate News
Affiliate: California | Chapter: Southern California Chapter

GCA projects about Ending Racism and Hate, are very needed, even in our institutions of "higher learning"! A recent party with a stereotypical and racially offensive theme has sparked an enormous outcry about racial issues and equality at the University of California San Diego.

The turmoil was sparked by an off-campus party last week that mocked Black History Month and by a subsequent show on a student-run TV station that supported the party and called blacks ungrateful, using a racial slur.

The fact that the party was billed as the “Compton Cookout” has added to the sense of injury among many students, who feel that it degraded blacks and other minorities who worked hard to earn a spot on the UC campus.

“This attack was an attack on all students of color on this campus,” said Mar Velez, a member of MEChA de UCSD, a Latino student group.

To read the full article and see a video click here!!

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Alexander M wrote:
Everyone, this is all going on RIGHT NOW. Students at each of the University of California campuses are mobilizing as we speak. For example, in Irvine students have gathered at the Admin build to demand action. In San Diego, students have gathered in protests, and faculty have begun refusing to continue lectures, effectively shutting down the campus completely. Please, let us be a part of this in some way AS IT HAPPENS. Even if we are not in California, it is our responsibility to speak out against racist threats. Send emails, write letters, call, facebook, whatever you can. Draw attention to this and do not let it be ignored and forgotten!
posted 2/26/2010 at 12:56 PM

Mary M wrote:
I have been continuously thinking about and trying to channel my emotions surrounding this issue, especially since my return from Memphis. After visiting the Civil Rights Museum and experiencing such a lasting legacy of segregation in the south, I thought that California had come a long way in accepting and celebrating diversity. I graduated last year from UCSD and couldn't be more ashamed or proud of my school right now. For obvious reasons I am ashamed, but I am also proud of people that I know coming together across racial lines to demand a change of climate on campus and that the University take responsibility. Just this morning a noose was found in the library and I know that at least 3 of my friends are in the Chancellors office as I type demanding "Real Action." The Black Student Union has made a list of demands to the university in hopes of fostering a more accepting environment on campus. Please email Chancellor Marye Anne Fox (chancellor@ucsd.edu) as well as Vice Chancellor Penny Rue (prue@ucsd.edu) and express your concerns and demand meaningful and fast action by the university. I think it would be helpful to explain that you are a part of PeaceJam and are writing on behalf of the entire PeaceJam community. I am going to continue to try to figure out ways for us to be involved even though we aren't there and talk to friends who are a part of these protests to see what kind of support the community really needs. Thanks for posting this Andy.
posted 2/26/2010 at 3:01 PM

Brett E wrote:
Great post - this is the type of thing that people should learn abut when they visit this site. I don't know how to do much from cambodia while traveling though =(
posted 2/27/2010 at 2:54 AM

Dawn E wrote:
Thank you so very, very much for this thoughtful and very important thread -- and yes, let's all work together to take some action here!
posted 2/27/2010 at 10:23 AM

Mary M wrote:
Apparently this is what students found on the 7th floor of Geisel Library today, the same floor where a student left a noose last Thursday night. After a week of everyone I know asking me "have you heard what happened at UCSD?" this gives me a little faith again.
posted 3/1/2010 at 10:53 PM