Protest Against Racism and Stereotypes at UIUC
Submitted by anonymous on November 1, 2006 - 5:19pm
On October 5, 2006, the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and Delta Delta Delta sorority held a social activity referred to as an exchange. At this event, called "Fiesta," students dressed in racially overt, stereotypical attire that portrayed Mexican people in derogatory ways. Students dressed as farm workers and pregnant women.
In light of this event, students, faculty, staff, and community members held a rally/protest on October 31st, 2006 to demonstrate their outrage at the act of intolerance by Zeta Beta Tau and Delta Delta Delta, and the campus administrations insufficient response to it.
The exchange held by Zeta Beta Tau and Delta Delta Delta is a consequence of the University's ongoing refusal to address issues related to race and racism. By refusing to take decisive action on these issues, including Chief Illiniwek, the University fosters a climate in which students deem it acceptable to play Indian, play Mexican, and/or play Black.
The rally was held outside the Illini Union from noon to 1:00pm, drawing a crowd of at least a couple hundred people. Following the rally there was a protest from the Illini Union, work its way over to the Delta Delta Delta house, the Zeta Beta Tau house and conclude at Swanlund Administration Building.
As a result of the public outcry and outrage of the student body, late last night Chancellor Herman released a letter to all students, faculty and staff, condemning the social and racist and intolerant behavior. Despite his very apologetic letter condemning these actions, he made no reference to the University’s own racist actions with the Chief Illiniwek mascot.
To view videos and images from the event, please visit-
http://www.iresist.org/protest/
and
http://www.iresist.org/protest_gallery/
John Hopkins Incident
I don't know about anyone else, but I personally like the response of the president of John Hopkins University, they suspended the Chapter for 45 days pending an investigation and even expelled a student of the organization....why hasn't this university taken similar actions toward these students... a simple apology is unacceptable. An example needs to be set and harsher punishments should be in place.
Indeed
The admin's response is the usual flak-catching.
Their primary concern is that U of I is not featured in the Chronicle of Highter Ed for its racism.
Student complaints are secondary.
Prof. X
Realistically, since Johns
Realistically, since Johns Hopkins is private, they have a little more latitude than UIUC does. It might be quite a bit harder for UIUC to kick out a student for showing up to an exchange in an offensive costume.
Indeed
Indeed, a student shows up every weekend at a sporting event in an "offensive costume" - The Chief!
Prof. X
The Rights of ZBT and DDD
It seems to me that any punishment handed down to Zeta Beta Tau and Delta Delta Delta would be a major violation of their 1st Amendment rights which grant everyone freedom of speech. Since the event did not take place on university property the university has no grounds to take any action other then express their disapproval. The day someone wins the right to not be offended is the day free speech dies in America.
No Apologies for Fighting Racism
Pardon me, but you're wrong about the University's obligations on several points. The Greek system operates on campus and is thus subject to campus regulation. Exactly how far this goes is something I'm sure you'd need at least a bureaucrat and an attorney to explain, or several of each, but frats and sororities imperil their status as recognized campus organizations, at the very least, if they -- like you -- choose to thumb their noses when they get called on racist practices that violate sections of the student code.
Then there are the various federal regulations that apply to fostering a positive racial climate and ensuring equitable access to education. Allowing the kind of atmosphere to fester that encourages some to just laugh this off as childish free expression is the kind of thing that could lead to significant legal difficulties for the University.
All this isn't helped by the fact that the University seems unable to connect the outrage over the acts of these misguided Greeks to the rather obvious fact that it continues to sponsor a racist mascot who dances at halftime. I gotta admit it does seem a bit hypocritical that the adminstration cracks down on some kids who really ought to know better -- considering they were smart enough to get accepted at Illinois -- but seems unable to identify and address its own complicity in fostering the kind of culture that demonstrates it is possible to insult the cultures of others and get away with it for decades.
Perhaps the next time around, if these Greek boneheads think, like the anonymous poster above, that this has anything to do with "free speech" then they should try having a "Chief and Squaw"party to test the extent of the administration's own hypocrisy on racial stereotyping. Sure, that's a dumb, racist idea, but if those assholes pulling down the megabucks salaries in the Henry Building can essentially pull it off without apology, why not some frat?
Liberacion Radio program on UIUC racism
Tune into WEFT 90.1FM at 10am on Sunday, November 12th to listen to the one hour radio program covering the events on campus and reactions by students and faculty.
For more information about the Liberacion! Radio Collective and to hear past programs, visit http://www.iresist.org/liberacion/
Pilgrims and Indians
Now a "Pilgrims and Indians" party has been announced Nov 11, 10 pm by Chemistry students.
The flyer features a pilgrim cartoon and a picture of the chief doing an acrobatic jump-splits.
Once again - pure insensitivty and ignorance on the part of U of I students.
A plan of action is being discussed.
BD
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