July 12, 2020
LONG BEACH—As mass protests captured the attention around the nation due to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and many brothers and sisters we lost due to bigotry and chauvinism. This is a call to end anti-Blackness and police violence, but to further recognize the significance of Black lives, and to grasp the attention of systemic racism in America; especially held at California State University, Long Beach.
Although President Conoley, president of California State University, Long Beach, acknowledged the movement and sought to provide a scholarship under the names of George Floyd and recent names that were killed under racism towards black individuals. The university issued out an email to all alumni and friends asking for donations and mention that CSULB’s Black Student Union supports this “academic scholarship”; however the university lacked to incorporate BSU’s remarks about the scholarship and failed to assemble an accessible meeting with the university’s Vice President of Student Affairs. We as, Black Student Union here at Long Beach understand that scholarships under the US Department of Education in the Education and Title VI states, “ No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” The scholarship states this is, “for students whose studies are focused on racial and social justice, as well as “Intern Scholarships” for students working with community organizations dedicated to the pursuit of social justice and to building local power.” While following the language of the scholarship it shows the vagueness and proves that the scholarship may be for everyone and will not fulfill its significance and the reasons it was made for.
In addition, the university swiftly created a scholarship to present their contributions to the Black community just like other organizations and businesses, yet the university failed to address the low enrollment and retention of Black students at California State University, Long Beach. When compared to the Latino/Hispanic and White student population on campus Black students have a disadvantage of representation and succeed at the institution. The university’s Black Student Union plan to discuss this disadvantage and demands with the university’s administration in the upcoming weeks.
KYLA JOHNSON, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
CSU Long Beach
