Editorial: Absence of malice does not excuse racism

Last week, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi held what was undoubtedly a racist event, a near shot-for-shot remake of the film “Dear White People,” which, in a certain sad irony, was partially filmed on campus. News of the “Kanye Western” themed raid exploded across the campus and the nation. Emotions understandably intensified in the […]

Submission: Awareness of black community’s history key in combatting racism

Dear Caterina, I had some thoughts about the points you made in your op-ed. This is an opinion piece and I by no means intend to devalue your opinion. The following will be my opinion as well, and while I’ll say that I disagree with you, I hope you will read it because I believe […]

Submission: UCLA must listen to, have compassion for black students’ experiences

Dear UCLA, We need to learn to listen. There was one thing that I couldn’t get out of my head after reading freshman Caterina Kachadoorian’s thoughts about the response to the “Kanye Western” party last week: We need to learn as a campus how to listen to and learn from fellow Bruins who are hurting. […]

Submission: Black students should not be told how to feel, react toward racism

Disclaimer: This is not a critique of Caterina Kachadoorian or those who agree with what she published in her Opinion submission Monday. Rather, it is a critique of the ideas and beliefs in that piece. Dear Caterina, How dare you tell Black people what’s wrong with Black America? How dare you tell outraged Black students […]

Editorial: Greek life needs policing to prevent more ‘Kanye Western’ type raids

UCLA is embroiled in a media firestorm following a raid hosted by Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi and a subsequent on-campus protest that drew hundreds of students. By hosting a “Kanye Western”-themed raid, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi have brought UCLA Greek Life to national attention for the worst reason. The office of […]

Arthur Wang: UCLA’s lack of cultural sensitivity led to ‘Kanye Western’ themed raid

Black students at UCLA were greeted with several True Bruin Welcomes last week, and some were truer than others. Congratulation and condemnation coalesced last week when the Black Bruin Welcome Week collided with Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi’s “Kanye Western” party, which treated black culture as accessory and reminded black students that some members of the […]

Submission: Afrikan Student Union should focus on problems within black community

There has been controversy over the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority “Kanye Western” themed party. The party allegedly promoted racism and cultural appropriation, with people dressed up in “baggy clothes, plumped lips and padded bottoms.” Although this party may have been mildly inappropriate, the way the Afrikan Student Union has reacted is […]