Racism at UVa

[vistany]

<p>

Am I asking about the tolerance of those who are racist, not the number of those who are racist. I still have yet to hear one account attesting to the intolerance of racism.

</p>

<p>Let me make sure I am understanding you correctly. You are IMO saying that you want to understand how the vast minority of potentially racist students at UVa are tolerated by the vast majority of non racist students?</p>

<p>PLEASE look elsewhere, we don’t need the angst.</p>

[Oiram]

<p>To the OP, have you tried searching [Cavalier</a> Daily | Home](<a href=“http://www.cavalierdaily.com%5DCavalier”>http://www.cavalierdaily.com) for some info?</p>

[hazelorb]

<p>I had a much longer response originally typed up but deleted it. It included:</p>

<p>There is at least one secret society on grounds with a history of anti-minority thinking (it was founded to keep women out of UVA). People only watch them do their annual secret society ritual to taunt them for this backwards thinking. So I would say that is an example of racist intolerance. To further clarify so you don’t take that in any wrong way: Most secret societies exist now for philanthropic reasons. UVA has a history as it was founded in 1819 in the south, I’m entirely sure it was built by slaves, and there are what used to be slave quarters on the Lawn. There were no women until the 1970s. But it has progressed beyond that very well and quickly by now. The secret societies were all founded in the early 1900s through the 70s, if even that late, to give perspective. Here is a post I made when I watched people mock them: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060187819-post63.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060187819-post63.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

[silverturtle]

<p>“You are IMO saying that you want to understand how the vast minority of potentially racist students at UVa are tolerated by the vast majority of non racist students?”</p>

<p>Yes.</p>

<p>“PLEASE look elsewhere, we don’t need the angst.”</p>

<p>I have and was left concerned enough to come here.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response, hazelorb.</p>

[Oiram]

<p>I don’t know if this may add anything but I think today people are more prone to bias or stereotyping than being an outright racist.</p>

[Patriots7]

<p>I’m a current student, and to be perfectly honest, I’ll say that the presence of racism is likely higher than that of its peer schools. Of course, in this day and age, it’s not going to be tolerated, and the chances of there being an outright act of racism is rather low, none the less, UVa has a long way to go in terms of race relations.
There’s a lot of self-segregation, to the point that it’s almost nauseating.</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>Thank you for the response. A self-segregating population is one which I am in currently and hope not to be in during college. I will consider carefully before applying to UVa.</p>

[wahoogrl08]

<p>Might I inquire as to what about, or what programs drew you to both UNC and UVA in the first place? Was it a graduate program…because many of your posts on this forum relate to race and college admissions. I guess I’m just curious as to whether you really have any interest in attending UVA or are just working on a pet project/potential dissertation topic. :)</p>

[db123]

<p>

A self-segregating population

</p>

<p>That’s completely different. I’ll address this in the next post.</p>

<p>

“I’m a little tired of hearing stereotypical comments about UVa from folks with no hard data.”</p>

<p>I’m not trying to present credible evidence either way. I’m trying to hear honest opinions from current students. I hoped that this would be understood and resepected as a reasonable, if false, concern.

</p>

<p>Vistany’s opinion that he’s tired of hearing it is an honest student’s opinion. After repeatedly addressing this issue in this forum, the idea of racism keeps coming up. We volunteer our time to help with your questions; do you think we enjoy posting the same thing over and over? And if you don’t have credible evidence, why would you think that we would “understand and respect” your false concern? Making assumptions and having faulty data makes you look like a fool. Just a current student’s honest opinion.</p>

<p>There have been isolated incidents of hate crimes at UVa. There are isolated incidents at almost every college. They are not representative of the student body’s opinions or beliefs. However, there is a more subtle and prevalent current that many clubs and groups that represent minorities are trying to combat. And that is the issue of stereotypes. I think the word racism evokes a much stronger feeling for those that hear it. Stereotypes, however, are prevalent. They’re prevalent throughout the world. And many groups are trying to change that. Asian Student Union (and it’s member organizations like HKSA, CSA, OYFA, JC, KSA, ISA, SSA, TSA, etc.), Black Student Alliance, Minority Rights Coalition are just some. There are some issues. But we as students try to work through them and make them more known to the University student body. </p>

<p>

Am I asking about the tolerance of those who are racist, not the number of those who are racist

The problem isn’t the number of racist students or tolerance or those who are racist. In general, they are not tolerated. Hate crimes are taking very seriously at UVa; legal action is usually taken if some other agreement is not reached. The problem lies more within raising awareness. The student body, after hearing of a hate crime, reacts negatively. Many students feel that anything that reflects badly on UVa reflects badly on them. We see going to UVa as a point of pride, and don’t appreciate someone slandering our school’s name. </p>

<p>

Am I asking about the tolerance of those who are racist, not the number of those who are racist. I still have yet to hear one account attesting to the intolerance of racism.

</p>

<p>Here’s one. This spring when ISA (indian student association) was having a party at the X lounge downtown, a Sikh student was stopped from entering because of his head dress. Here’s the update that we received.</p>

<p>

As many of you know, several weeks ago a Sikh student from UVA was denied admission to the X-Lounge because of his turban. This integral part of his religious identity was deemed an inadmissible “head covering” indistinguishable from gang paraphernalia or eccentric fashion. It is with heavy hearts that we learned of this woeful display of ignorance and discrimination. </p>

<p>Lifting our spirits, however, has been the overwhelming support we have received from the University and local Charlottesville communities over the past couple weeks. These countless words of support from colleagues and strangers alike reflect that we live in a community that values diversity, and that will stand up to intolerance. We are honored and moved by your expressions of solidarity. </p>

<p>With regards to the incident itself, the Sikh Students Association appreciates and accepts the apology issued by the X-Lounge. In meeting with their management they have demonstrated sincerity in their apology and a commitment to prevent further incidents. To this end, they have agreed to a formal training session on the issue led by the Sikh Students Association. Additionally, we will extend this educational mission to include surrounding businesses on the downtown mall, so they too can learn from this experience. Lastly, we will be sponsoring an event along with various other organizations on April 22nd from 11am to 3pm in the amphitheater called “United Against Discrimination”. With this event, we hope to establish ties between our communities and show that we are united and that we will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. It is our hope that these efforts will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, and will also help our community celebrate and embrace its diversity. </p>

<p>We do not believe that incidents such as these are isolated events, but instead speak to the work remaining in combating ignorance and discrimination, painfully demonstrated again by last weeks hate-crime. We hope these incidents can catalyze increased teamwork and strengthen ties between all communities facing similar struggles. </p>

<p>United we stand, divided we fall. </p>

<p>Sincerely,</p>

<p>The Sikh Student Association and the Indian Student Association at the University of Virginia

</p>

<p>Another update:

After the X-Lounge incident of misbehavior with a Sikh member of the UVa comunity, the Sikh Student Association has accepted the apology of the club, and have decided to hold training sessions with multiple venues in Charlottesville about problems related to Indian religions the latter may face in the future as well. They are also co-sponsoring with other organizations a drive against discrimination this Wednesday 11am to 3pm at the Amphitheater. There will be opportunities for past victims to raise their voice or share their opinions/experiences, and there willl also be awareness opportunities.

</p>

<p>There was also an incident with the WBC; they were coming to picket, and we protested because of their past history. Search through the Cav Daily and you’ll be able to find some articles. Same on the X lounge incident.</p>

[db123]

<p>Now, to address the issue of self segregation: it happens. It’s human tendency to congregate with those you share similar characteristics with. </p>

<p>While there is self segregation at times, by no means does it mean that students are ALWAYS self segregated. You’ll be amazed to see how many people you meet. I, as a minority, have a lot of friends from various ethnic backgrounds. As do most college students. At the same time, I know a lot more Asian and Indian students because of the activities I am involved in. If I was more involved in the Latino community, I’m sure I would have more Latino friends. It really depends upon the activities you pursue and your chosen course of study. If you are a east asian studies major, there’s a good chance you’ll know everyone in your major because it’s a small program and you’ll see those students on a regular basis in your classes. If you are in an a capella group, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a lot of other students who do a capella and will naturally have more friends that do a capella. But by no means are you restricted to one “group” of friends. This isn’t high school.</p>

<p>And this doesn’t only apply to UVa. This applies to schools across the board that are similar to UVa in size.</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>“Making assumptions and having faulty data makes you look like a fool.”</p>

<p>I haven’t made any assumptions nor have I presented data of any kind.</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>“We volunteer our time to help with your questions; do you think we enjoy posting the same thing over and over?”</p>

<p>I was hoping to hear from any who had not yet posted on the other threads that I read. I sincerely appreciate your guys’ interest demonstrated by responding.</p>

[db123]

<p>

I was hoping to hear from any who had not yet posted on the other threads that I read.

</p>

<p>Well, you attacked us a bit after this comment.</p>

<p>

I am still concerned about this. Out of 143 views, no current student feels strongly enough about the fallacy of these claims to refute them. Hazelorb’s links are both outdated and filled with conflicting accounts about racism at UVa.

</p>

<p>Half those views might have been yours. and the other half may have been the regular students who saw this thread and were tired of typing up the same thing.</p>

<p>

nor have I presented data of any kind.

</p>

<p>Precisely the problem. You haven’t provided any credible source for the source of your quotes (see below) or your research (see below).</p>

<p>

In my research of schools to which I may apply, I have repeatedly come across accounts from current students and alumni about the lack of tolerance at the University of Virginia.

</p>

<p>

Can any current student or recent alumnus comment on the validity of these comments?

</p>

<p>You asked us to verify information…which is data.</p>

<p>

“There are a lot of snooty, arrogant people at this school, especially the women, and there are a lot of classless, supersexist, racist people. Indeed, a majority of the student body is from Northern Virginia, and they tend to be WASPy, middle/upper-middle class, and somewhat close-minded.”

</p>

<p>

“Racism thrives vibrantly throughout its student body, and their ignorance is what causes disgust amongst those few who DO NOT think in this way–because as a University of Virginia student, they are all marked the same”

</p>

<p>Quotes…information…data.</p>

<p>

I don’t think it’s unfair to expect new responses from current students instead of links to outdated threads that brought to rise more concern on my part.

A lot of the current students posted in those “outdated” threads.</p>

<p>I think you may have posted with good intent but you went awry in 2 places. </p>

<ol>
<li>You had this line before your question.

Normally, I don’t put a lot of stock into isolated negative comments about a school, but those related to racism, sexism, and sexual intolerance in the student body at UVa are disconcerting.</li>
</ol>

<p>Can any current student or recent alumnus comment on the validity of these comments?

</p>

<p>That detracted from your question: tolerance of hate crimes, not necessarily restricted to racism.</p>

<ol>
<li>The wording of your question. How are we supposed to argue the validity (or lack thereof) of something we haven’t seen? </li>
</ol>

<p>Again, I think you had good intentions but just chose the wrong route in approaching the question. I hope the information I posted helped you. Cheers.</p>

[wahoomb]

<p>Racist incidents happen at the most liberal/open-minded schools, for example Columbia. </p>

<p>[2007</a> bias incidents - WikiCU, the Columbia University wiki encyclopedia](<a href=“2007 bias incidents - WikiCU, the Columbia University wiki encyclopedia”>2007 bias incidents - WikiCU, the Columbia University wiki encyclopedia)</p>

<p>These are just a few examples how you can’t generalize a school by a few isolated incidents. I don’t think anybody would label Columbia as a school that tolerates “racism” and most of us know that Columbia prides itself in being extremely diverse and open to minorities, however, you can’t help but have a few racists. The same thing happens at UVA. </p>

<p>To the OP: If you’re so obsessed about race and paranoid about being hate-crimed, you should consider getting your degree online, because in every school you’re bound to find a racist. Good luck finding whatever it is you’re looking for. BTW, I’m a minority and I never felt any discrimination or any type of racism while I was at UVA (2004-2008)</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>“Well, you attacked us a bit after this comment.”</p>

<p>I’m not sure what you’re referencing.</p>

<p>“Half those views might have been yours. and the other half may have been the regular students who saw this thread and were tired of typing up the same thing.”</p>

<p>I don’t know what your more meaningful point was here, but I assure you no more than two of those views were mine.</p>

<p>“Precisely the problem. You haven’t provided any credible source for the source of your quotes (see below) or your research (see below).”</p>

<p>As I stated, CC censored the source. (They are competitors)</p>

<p>“You asked us to verify information…which is data.”</p>

<p>“Quotes…information…data.”</p>

<p>I did not provide any data.</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>“That detracted from your question: tolerance of hate crimes, not necessarily restricted to racism.”</p>

<p>That didn’t detract from my question as it was part of my question.</p>

<p>“The wording of your question. How are we supposed to argue the validity (or lack thereof) of something we haven’t seen?”</p>

<p>See page one of this thread for the comments which you claim to have not seen.</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>“If you’re so obsessed about race and paranoid about being hate-crimed, you should consider getting your degree online, because in every school you’re bound to find a racist.”</p>

<p>I am not obsessed about race nor am I aware of any comments I have made that would indicate this. </p>

<p>My ideal is to avoid an environment with obvious or veiled negative prejudices of no warrant toward different groups. This is unrealistic, so I want to mitigate this exposure. I don’t think I am wrong to ask any current students who are willing to comment on their opinions. </p>

<p>Exceptions to the ideal I stated may be inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it occurs to equal extents everywhere. Personal testimony is the only way I know of to determine this extent.</p>

<p>db123, I don’t know of any more effective way to approach my question than how I did.</p>

[sevmom]

<p>Silverturtle, You will find issues anywhere and at any university. Please move on and find a school that feels right to you. If UVa ends up feeling right to you,great. If not, there are many wonderful universities out there. Best of luck!</p>

[silverturtle]

<p>“Silverturtle, You will find issues anywhere and at any university.”</p>

<p>Please read post #37.</p>

[hazelorb]

<p>I don’t think this thread is going anywhere constructive anymore…</p>