Low voter turnout rates in local elections are an embarrassing problem that paints an inaccurate picture of the people of Los Angeles and what they want from their elected officials. Part of the reason behind these low rates, though, is fatigue from voters being regularly dragged to the polls. Fortunately, there are two measures on […]
Category Archives: Opinion
Ryan Nelson: Dichotomy of practical, liberal education unnecessary, unproductive
Before he ever tried to tear down a wall, former president Ronald Reagan had a much more local foe: the University of California. Forty-eight years ago this past Saturday, the conservative California governor delivered a stirring sermon: The state budget was tight, education was expensive, and people shouldn’t be given “intellectual luxuries” on the state […]
Aram Ghoogasian: Diversity vice chancellor position must prioritize students
When students try to communicate with school administrators, their grievances often fall on deaf ears. The appointment of a new administrator, however, has a chance to initiate a paradigm shift. The search for UCLA’s first vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion will approach its end next quarter. So far, three candidates have visited campus […]
Submission: USAC members’ apology insufficient
Faculty members are rightfully reluctant to weigh in on issues discussed by the student government, and even more reluctant to directly criticize members of that government. But a recent action by UCLA’s Undergraduate Students Association Council is so threatening to basic principles of justice that we feel compelled to speak out. What is at stake […]
Benjamin Genta: UCLA needs to encourage student voting, raise youth voter turnout
Less than 9 percent of eligible voters aged 18 to 24 turned out to vote in the 2014 midterm election this past November in California, a historic low, according to a January UC Davis report. In Los Angeles county, it was even less, with only between 5.5 and 7.5 percent of the same age demographic […]
Travis Fife: State oversight too extreme as solution to holding UC accountable
In the fight over the proposed tuition increase, the state seems to have chosen the path of direct intervention. First, in December, there was bipartisan support for Senate Constitutional Amendment 1, which grants the state unprecedented legislative oversight of the UC. The bill strips the UC of its autonomy from the state, allowing the state […]
Editorial: Communities’ unified response to offensive posters a welcome surprise
What started out as a particularly bad week for campus climate at UCLA has turned into a rare moment of respect and solidarity among two communities whose relationship has often been politically and personally fraught. Now, it’s the responsibility of every UCLA student and administrator to capitalize on this moment of magnanimity and remind everyone […]