UC San Diego Black Student Union Declares State Of Emergency As Campus Climate Turns Hostile

Online, February 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Recent racial incidents have left many students fearing for their safety.

It is with crucial concern and urgency that we write this letter to bring to your attention the state of the campus climate for African American students at the University of California, San Diego. The University is allowing the African American community to be racially demoralized by a group of students on campus. The most recent incident occurred on February 18, 2010 between 11:00pm and midnight. A group of students on the UCSD Student Run Television Program (SR-TV) made statements in support of the racially themed "Compton Cookout" party that took place Monday, February 15, 2010. The eruption of such racist activity as a product of long-term structural injustices has propelled the University into a STATE OF EMERGENCY. Moreover, the University is in direct violation of its "Principles of Community," creating an even more hostile and alienating environment. Students do not feel safe on their own campus, and it is interfering with their everyday lives. We need direct action from the University immediately.

Therefore, the Black Student Union at UCSD will be hosting a news conference on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the UCSD Price Center Plaza.

The Black Student Union calls on you to come and cover our struggle to heal the underrepresented student community and to create a healthier campus climate at UCSD.

WHERE:
UCSD Price Center Plaza
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093

WHEN:
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 at 10:00 AM

WHY:
To provide firsthand account of the behind the scenes struggles faced by the Black Student Union as they work to address the recent racially charged incidents in the UCSD community. These incidents have left many students fearing for their safety. The Black Student Union is calling on the support of all students, staff, faculty, and community supporters who are ready to work towards creating a healthier campus climate at UCSD.

WHO:
The UCSD Black Student Union, students, alumni, parents, staff, faculty, administration, and community leaders are all expected to participate.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Please contact [email protected] for more information on to request a press kit.

About the Black Student Union (BSU)

The Black Student Union (BSU) works to provide a safe space and community for African American students on at UCSD. We promote cultural awareness on the campus as well as provide a deeper education of African and African-American cultures. We host a range of events from Kwanzaa, Black History Month celebrations, High School visits and mentoring, and much more in order to celebrate African American identity despite the underrepresentation of Black students on campus.