Students protest racist remarks

Over 100 students, staff, faculty and administrators stood in the rain Feb. 10 for an important rally at Southwestern College called by the newly founded ERACISM Coalition. The rally was called in response to an article written by a student and published by the school newspaper, The Sun, which insulted immigrants.

The article, entitled "Illegal immigrants are taxing on U.S. citizens," called these immigrants "leeches." The article has left many students feeling harassed and insulted. Members of the ERACISM Coalition were furious at the administration and The Sun for failing to recognize the severity of the situation and continuing to try to hide behind the First Amendment. This was true during the Feb. 10 event as well.

Max Branscomb, advisor to The Sun, took the stage in defense of the writer's rights while assuring the protesting students that the Sun agreed with them. He went on to say, "You are not leeches." Students responded with sarcastic shouts of "Thanks!" before interrupting Brans comb by chanting, "You are wrong!"

During the open-mike portion of the program, Reynaldo Escoto, student and member of the Frente Zapatista Tijuana, shouted, "For generations we have fed you and this is how you repay us ... No human being is illegal!" Repeatedly the crowd broke into cheers, chanting, "La Raza unida jamas sera vencida!"

One protester, an on-campus employee and member of the California School Employees Association, reminded protesters of the Klan's historical use of the word leech in their attacks against Black people. Another young man explained that this article was symptomatic of this country's attitude toward working-class people.

While the event was a success, it was only one small stepping stone towards retribution. The Sun has not yet owned up to its mistake or properly apologized. The ERACISM Coalition recognizes that a retraction is not likely to come anytime in the near future. Nor will there be an end to the fight.

Legal actions against The Sun and the school administration are currently in the works. Plans are in place to launch another campus paper that reflects the cultures and interests of the students.