California State University Los Angeles (CSLA) recently joined the ranks of colleges that have established "black-only" co-ed housing. The institution recently rolled out segregated housing for Black students as response to the set of demands from the university's Black Student Union.
According to The College Fix, members of the Black Student Union were complaining about racist attacks on campus like racially insensitive remarks or microaggressions from their professors and fellow students. They asked the school to provide them with a "CSLA housing space delegated for Black students."
The group's demand letter, which was sent last November, asserted that this "would provide a cheaper alternative housing solution for Black students." It is also expected to become "a safe place for Black CSLA students to congregate, connect, and learn from each other."
Other demands by the organization included an allocation of $20,000 per quarter for the Black Student Union as well as a CSLA Anti-discrimination policy. The group also asked for a $30 million endowment as financial support for Black students.
The school's spokesperson, Robert Lopez, told the publication via email that the newly-launched Halisi Scholars Black Living-Learning Community "focuses on academic excellence and learning experiences that are inclusive and non-discriminatory." The housing is "designed to enhance the residential experience for students who are a part of or interested in issues of concern to the black community living on campus by offering the opportunity to connect with faculty and peers, and engage in programs that focus on academic success, cultural awareness, and civic engagement."
The university is no longer accepting applications for housing for the fall 2016 semester. CSLA admitted that they have a long wait list already.
California State University Los Angeles joins the University of Connecticut, the University of California Davis and Berkeley with the segregated housing option. This is technically still open to all students but is reserved for Black students. The move has gained backlash from several people especially since these universities may be unintentionally creating an atmosphere where Black students are set apart, Fox News reported.
