UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO STUDENT UNION

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

February 21, 2008 68LCR#5

Sponsored by: Dustin Farivar, Representative-at-Large

Hadley Brown, Tri-Executive

Authored by: Victor Hsu, Health & Safety Director

John Sharza, Diversity Director

Hadley Brown, Tri-Executive

Resolution in Response to Racist Articles Published in the Campus Press

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Resolution History

On Sunday February 17, 2008 and Monday February 18, 2008, two articles entitled “If it’s war the Asians want…” and “No Hablo Ingles” were published in the Campus Press. The former is intended to be a satirical article which targets Asian American students at CU and proposes a multi-step plan that aims to initiate hate crimes against all Asian students on campus. The latter article discriminates against those whom speak Spanish and are of the Latino and Chicano communities which the author refers to as “Hispanic.” Both articles perpetuate ignorance on our campus.

The article that targeted the Asian community angered and terrified many students across campus. In addition, numerous Asian organizations across the country issued concerns in response to the article’s intentions, which drew references to the Holocaust and Japanese Interment during World War II.

On February 20, 2008, the editors from the Campus Press issued a response to the public outcry against the article’s racially charged rhetoric. In this response, the editors defended the journalistic content of the article.

Resolution Summary

Whereas, the articles in question are permissible because of Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by the first amendment; and

Whereas, both articles reinforce racist stereotypes about the respective communities; and

Whereas, publication of articles like these in the student newspaper hinder efforts toward a more allied, inclusive community for all students; and

Whereas, the article targeting Asians impacts the emotional and physical safety and well-being of many members of the campus community; and

Whereas, UCSU recognizes the need for positive support systems for all communities and all students.

THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, THAT:

Section 1, the University of Colorado Student Union supports Freedom of Speech but does not stand for publications that target, threaten, marginalize or incite violence against a group of people based on their identity.

Section 2, University of Colorado Student Union recognizes that there is a burden of responsibility associated with free speech rights.

Section 3, the University of Colorado Student Union commits to help create open dialogues that foster greater education of the student body about diversity-related issues and progress towards a more inclusive campus environment.

Section 4, the University of Colorado Student Union acknowledges the response of the Campus Press in addressing its diversity and editorial policies and supports the actions the Campus Press is taking to redress these issues in our community. The University of Colorado Student Union also urges the Campus Press to acknowledge their role in generating the controversy in question and release a further statement to address these issues. The UCSU strongly encourages the Campus Press to develop a better understanding of how its articles impact underrepresented communities so that it may better serve the entire campus community.

Section 5, this Resolution shall pass upon majority approval by the Legislative Counsel and upon the signature of two of the three University of Colorado Student Union Tri-Executives.

Section 6, upon passage, this resolution shall be distributed to the Office of the Chancellor, the Campus Press, The Office of the Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and all appropriate media.

Vote Count

2/21/08 Passed Special Order Acclamtion

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Boyce Postma Hadley Brown

Legislative Council President Tri-Executive

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Charles Gilford III Sarah Divine

Tri-Executive Tri-Executive