A popular talking point in conservative circles is that universities are left-leaning ivory towers. They might be right – but not for the reasons they think. Contrary to what fiery conservative pundits would have you believe, it’s not because of a vast left-wing conspiracy to brainwash the youth. Instead, it’s probably a product of issues […]
Author Archives: William Bleveans
Conflicts of interest continue to haunt campus politics, demanding response
For bored reporters and burnt-out students, a little bit of excitement and intrigue at one of the Undergraduate Students Association Council’s weekly meetings is like manna from heaven. These dramatic scenes are not exactly indicators of good government, however. Nearly a month ago, two students utilized the public comment period during a USAC meeting to […]
USAC raises suspicion allocating student funds without student input
This post was updated Jan. 28 at 10:00 a.m. In the late 18th century, American revolutionaries proclaimed they would not abide taxation without representation. Today, UCLA students are protesting funding allocations without adequate representation. The old revolutionary refrain deserves to be revived in the wake of the Undergraduate Students Association Council’s attempt to dodge student […]
Grade inflation: UCLA needs to address the problem hidden in plain sight
It seems the persistent war of words between North and South Campus students may point to a fundamental problem in UCLA’s grading policies. Conventional wisdom holds that students seeking easy classes should enroll in the social sciences and humanities, which supposedly grant A’s at a much higher proportion than classes in the sciences. The supposed […]
Class-based affirmative action would better address inequity in UC system
History is replete with accounts of ambitious political initiatives that have promised to address all manner of injustices, only to devolve into a “tragedy of good intentions.” Race-based affirmative action seems to be no exception to this historical trend. The University of California has a long history of supporting race-based affirmative action programs, which are […]
Liberals’ unrealizable free-college plans will only worsen political discourse
No issue has proved more effective in getting college students to the polls than the rising cost of tuition. It is doubtful, however, the issue’s prominence will have improved our political discourse after the dust has settled from the midterm elections. Promises to subsidize tuition have cropped up in the campaign rhetoric of prominent democratic […]
USAC Election Board riddled with political bias risks loss of credibility
When it comes to safeguarding the integrity of our student government elections, the Undergraduate Students Association Council just can’t get it right. In the wake of an explosive controversy in spring over alleged voter coercion, UCLA students doubtlessly expected USAC to institute far-reaching reforms to clean up campus elections. Five months later, the student body […]