“Acts of intolerance, disrespect, bullying, or violence, especially regarding sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, or ethnicity, compromise our sense of community, our feelings of personal well-being, and our ability to live and learn together.”
—Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Michael D. Young
In 2010, a series of overtly racist events across the state left UC campuses with an awkward and hostile environment. At UCSB, students of color were determined to give themselves a voice in a place where it may not be welcome. From this emerged the MultiCultural Center Council, a coalition of diverse student organizations whose goal is to create and maintain an inclusive campus and community climate at UCSB.
You may be asking, what is an inclusive campus and community climate at UCSB? For the MCC council, an inclusive climate consists of tolerance and the fair exchange of ideas in order to maintain a safe space. Whereas before, diverse groups were marginalized, it is now more important than ever to maintain the diversity that we have attained at UCSB. As demonstrated by 2010’s hate incidents toward students across the UCs, it is clear that we need to work harder toward creating a safe space for everyone in the UCSB community. This is possible through exchanging ideas, which results from collaboration among different communities, encouraging the development of allies and fairly representing all communities within UCSB.
We, as the MCC Council, expect the UCSB community to participate in creating and maintaining an inclusive campus climate. To begin, we expect the UCSB community to exercise their rights in a manner that will respect everyone’s presence. This includes holding Isla Vista residents and visitors accountable for their actions. When unacceptable incidents do occur, we expect UCSB faculty, staff and student body to react appropriately. This consists of informing the community about incidents in a timely manner, having a direct and appropriate response and allowing the UCSB community to have a productive discussion while maintaining a safe space. Most importantly we wish to uphold our campus’ motto of “Scholarship, Leadership, and Citizenship”!
The MCC Council does not ask our community to do anything we are not willing to do ourselves; therefore, we plan to take concrete actions. We will strive to reach a wider audience by continuing to present culturally based workshops and events around campus. We will collaborate with non-MCC user groups in the hopes of building a stronger community that upholds the values of an inclusive climate. We will hold forums that give students the opportunity to voice their concerns to various organizations, such as events like “Speak Up, Reach Out” where students are encouraged to discuss pertinent issues, create lasting solutions and be proactive. All in all, we will encourage students to voice their opinions in order to maintain a positive, respectful and healthy community.
We, as the MCC Council, believe that an inclusive campus and community climate is not only beneficial to diverse students but to the UCSB community as a whole. We hope the UCSB community is ready to work with the MCC Council to reach our goal. If we do not obtain this climate, UCSB loses the respect and prestige that we have all worked so hard to gain.
Sincerely,
The MultiCultural Center Council
MCC Council Members’ Organizations:
Akanke, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, American Indian Student Association, A.S.—S.C.O.R.E., Behind the Walls, BPRO, Black Quare, Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Collective, Chi Delta Theta Sorority, Chinese Student Association, Chinese Students and Scholars Assoc., El Congreso, Gamma Zeta Alpha, Hermanas Unidas Inc., Hermanos Unidos Inc., Hillel, Hong Kong Student Association, Iaorana te Otea, IDEAS, India Association, International Student Association, INDUS Club, Kapatirang Pilipino, Korean American Student Association, La Escuelita, Lambda Sigma Gamma, Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Latino Business Association, LEAD, Los Ingenieros, MCDC, M.E.N.T.E., M.U.J.E.R., Muslim Student Association, NSBE, Nu Alpha Kappa, Pacific Islander Student Association, Pan African Student Union, Persian Student Group, Pilipino Graduation, Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Queer Asian Pacific Islander, Power Through Knowledge, Queer Student Union, Raagmala, Raices de Mi Tierra, Sigma Alpha Zeta, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Sigma Kappa Chi, Taiwanese Student Association, Thai Student Union, Theta Nu Kappa, U.S.E.U., Vietnamese Student Association, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
