By Angela Davison
Why are so many people afraid of ethnic and gender studies? Is
this fear a by-product of the administration’s reluctance to
create a diversity requirement that would move toward a
representative and progressive educational system? Is the question
really that complex, when all UC schools except UCLA have
confronted and conquered the issue?
An ethnic and gender studies requirement is essential to the
overall wealth of knowledge every student should leave UCLA with in
order to be a productive contributor to society. This ethnic and
gender requirement will encourage dialogue between students of
different backgrounds, serve as a source of education beyond the
mainstream, decrease the possibility of hate crimes and increase
the esteem of the campus and overall appreciation of the diversity
UCLA purports to have.
UCLA prides itself on being one of the most diverse universities
in this nation. Propaganda everywhere embrace diversity as one of
the university’s best qualities. Campus tours to prospective
students embellish and share this pride. Yet, UCLA is the only UC
without an ethnic and gender studies requirement.
Doesn’t it seem important to require students to learn
about tolerance and appreciation of the many differences held
between genders and ethnicities? It is absurd to think that all of
the students entering UCLA are coming in with the exposure and the
social education necessary to be tolerant.
It is obvious by the recent hate crimes on this campus that an
ethnic and gender studies requirement is necessary. Unfortunately,
many students begin university level education with sheltered
minds, consumed by prejudice and stereotypes. A General Education
requirement would require all students to take a course that is
related to ethnic and gender studies, classes that are not
typically found in the mainstream American educational system.
This requirement would educate students on the differences and
similarities we share and would teach appreciation and tolerance of
those differences, instead of fear. The course would also allow for
a diverse student gathering, which would facilitate dialogue
between students of different ethnicities and genders. Dialogue is
a key element in education; it allows students to learn from each
other.
Ignorance and intolerance regarding other ethnicities and the
opposite gender can be correlated to on-campus crimes. Statistics
show that UCLA reported six hate crimes in 1998 (RAND California).
This is more than any other UC.
Since the fall of 1999, UCPD has reported five hate crimes at
UCLA. But the numbers don’t reflect all incidents. These were
just the officially recorded crime statistics, which exclude more
than 20 incidents reported by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender groups on campus this school year. Many more were not
labeled as hate crimes or not reported due to fear or lack of
knowledge about reporting procedures. During my three years as a
UCLA student, I have heard of many more instances of race bias
which were not reported.
Courses such as Sociology 160: Intergroup Conflict and Prejudice
serve as a prime example of how classes can profoundly affect the
way we perceive others. This course forces students to confront the
many prejudices they hold, both unconsciously and consciously.
Obviously, courses beyond the typical general education
requirements can make a difference in students’ perceptions
of other groups. These types of courses help open minds and broaden
horizons. Even though a requirement is no safeguard against hate
crimes, it is certainly a step toward improving relations between
students on this campus. Increasing dialogue is crucial toward
conquering stereotypes and prejudices.
Lastly, contrary to student fears, a G.E. requirement can be
accomplished without the addition of another course to the current
format. This can be achieved by restructuring the existing system.
Inserting the course under the social science section of general
education would eliminate the need for a separate section.
I believe it is the responsibility of the university and its
students to be active in ensuring that UCLA becomes a safer and
more diverse campus. An ethnic and gender studies requirement is a
preventative and proactive step in stopping hate crimes, decreasing
tension and improving upon the valuable education that we should
receive at this university.