Wednesday, March 10, 2010

California

Racism at UC Systems


Joshua Fimbres



UC Irvine, Davis, and San Diego have recently experienced three separate issues of racial discrimination. A Jewish student at UC Davis found a swastika carved into her dorm door. Eleven students were arrested at UC Irvine for interrupting Michael Oren, the Israeli ambassador. The Zionist Organization of America condemned the UC Irvine Chancellor for failing to rebuke what they perceived as anti-Semitic speech. Lastly, a Greek organization at UC San Diego was accused of hosting a “Compton Cookout” that purportedly mocked Black History Month. This event asked participants to dress in “Ghetto” attire and be ready to consume fried chicken, watermelon, and malt liquor. The party further spurred more racial events after a noose was found in the UC San Diego Library. All of these incidents occurred in February, which signifies that these are not isolated incidences. Governor Schwarzenegger was quick to denounce these acts on UC campuses during several media interviews.


  • Zionist Organization of America: a pro-Israel group dedicated to defending the right of self government for Jews
  • Public schools are meant to be a place where many cultures come together for the common purpose of education
  • The divisiveness being fostered creates factionalism on campuses.
  • Several rallies have been held in an effort to showcase student support for tolerance at UCLA and UCI

Additional Reading:


http://www.theunion.com/article/20100228/BREAKINGNEWS/100229791/1066&parentprofile=1053


http://www.democracynow.org/2010/3/1/following_string_of_racist_incidents_uc

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