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Monday, June 29, 1998

Proposition 209 damages diversity

ADMISSIONS: Students, administrators concerned about enrollment figures

By Neal Narahara

Daily Bruin Contributor

The incoming freshman class is not likely to be remembered for its diversity.

Although this year's class is UCLA's largest in 11 years - and the strongest academically in UCLA history - declining admission rates for underrepresented minorities have made it the center of controversy for much of the university community.

Enrollment of underrepresented minorities has declined significantly in the first year in which Proposition 209 and the UC Regents' policies SP-1 and SP-2 have taken effect.

This year, enrollment declined by 42 percent compared to last year for African American applicants, 33 percent for Chicano and Latino applicants, and 62 percent for Native American applicants.

"We knew what the (admissions) numbers were going to look like, but when we saw the real numbers, it made me sick," said USAC President Stacy Lee.

Out of 1,331 African American applicants, 280 were admitted, down from 524 last year. Of those admitted, 131 have decided to enroll, as opposed to 221 last year.

Numbers for other underrepresented minorities show similar declines. 1,001 Chicano/Latino applicants were offered admission this year, down from 1,512. Last year, 39 Native Americans enrolled - this year, that number is 15.

Under SP-1, the university is barred from using race or ethnicity as a consideration in admissions.

Proposition 209 was a California voter initiative passed in 1996 banning the use of race or gender preferences in state government hiring, housing, contracting and education. The proposition passed with 55 percent of California's vote.

After numerous appeals, including those by the American Civil Liberties Union, and the refusal of a hearing by the Supreme Court, Proposition 209 became law. This proposition marked the end of affirmative action admissions policies in all state-funded schools.

Though the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals to Proposition 209, in a previous decision, Adarand Constructors vs. Pena, they set the tone for the abolishment of affirmative action policies.

"Affirmative action to help disadvantaged black people is no better, morally or constitutionally, than racist laws intended to subjugate them," read their decision in 1996.

Others, however, feel that diversity is as much a requirement for a successful education as anything.

"Classes are enhanced by a diverse set of students who enter with a multitude of perspectives," said Judy Baca, vice-chair of the Cesar Chavez Center for Chicana and Chicano Studies.

"The academic community is greatly distressed at these low numbers," said Carol Peterson, special assistant to the chancellor.

These figures are even more significant when coupled with a decline in applications from underrepresented minorities in the 1997-98 school year, which some say resulted from the anticipation of the end of affirmative action.

"Essentially, we are privileging the privileged and putting out a chilling effect to the minority population," Baca said. "People are beginning to feel that they are unwelcome at educational institutions like UCLA."

Both the undergraduate and graduate student councils have come out in opposition to Proposition 209 and SP-1 and SP-2, passing resolutions condemning the decisions.

Student groups such as Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan (MEChA) and the African Student Union (ASU), Asian Pacific Coalition (APC) and the American Indian Students Association (AISA) have been especially vocal in opposing the change in university policy, joining with other student groups to form the Affirmative Action Coalition (AAC).

The coalition held protests throughout the spring, culminating in the takeover of Royce Hall on May 19, in which 88 student protesters were arrested.

"It is clear that the administration is taking a relaxed approach to a serious issue," said AAC Chair Chad Williams.

In response to the lower admission rates, the coalition has demanded a statement from the administration against Proposition 209, as well as increased funds for programs designed to reach out to underrepresented high school students.

When asked about his position on Proposition 209, Chancellor Albert Carnesale replied that his position was irrelevant, because it is not in his power to work outside the law.

"I will not break the law," Carnesale said.

In response to the decline in admissions of underrepresented minorities, the university, in conjunction with the Academic Advancement Program and the Alumni Association, have expanded outreach efforts to the underrepresented minorities that were admitted.

"We want to do whatever we can to let (underrepresented minorities) know that UCLA wants them here," said Dana Valentino, director of the outreach program at the Alumni Association.

However, protesting students feel that those efforts aren't enough.

"At this point, there is a sentiment among the students that the university is not committed to our issues," Williams said.

There is not universal campus support for the return of affirmative action, however.

The student groups Bruin Republicans and Young Americans for Freedom are among the opponents of affirmative action.

In 1996, the student group Bruin Republicans hung a banner across Bruin Walk reading, "Bruin Republicans thank UCLA for Affirming Fairness - Yes on 209."

Despite California's ruling on Proposition 209, affirmative action is not a dead issue. Other policies similar to Proposition 209 are being challenged in other states.

If the Supreme Court chooses to uphold affirmative action over decisions made in state courts, race and gender considerations could once again be used in admissions.

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