Lawsuits create vulnerability, resentment among some students

The lawsuits challenging the University's admissions policies are also challenging some students' notions of how they fit into the campus community.

"I certainly have spoken to a number of minority students who have expressed some feelings of vulnerability, as a result of the lawsuit, and understandable resentment," said University President Lee Bollinger.

The way in which the plaintiffs have framed their cases - which target the use of race as a factor in the admissions procedures of the University's Law School and the College of Literature, Science and the Arts - to make minority students look unqualified has angered some on campus, Bollinger said.

While some students said the the lawsuits have created a slightly more uncomfortable atmosphere, others point out that the lawsuits don't affect the communities they've already formed.

"I think (the lawsuits) caused some anxiety among the African American staff and students," said Charles Ransom, president of the University's Association of Black Professionals, Administrators, Faculty and Staff. "They see what has happened in California and in Texas and they think that could happen here."

Prop. 209 and the case Hopwood v. the state of Texas ended the use of race in the admissions process in California and Texas respectively.

Ransom said that even if the University loses the lawsuits, he believes there will still be a commitment to keeping the campus diverse.

"I think the impression is here that if the lawsuit is lost, there would still be a commitment for diversity," Ransom said.

Students should raise their concerns to help educate one another, Ransom said.

"In raising awareness, it helps in letting students know they're not alone in these concerns," Ransom said. "It's sort of like preaching to the choir, but there are times when the choir needs a sermon, too."

Kevin Pimentel, president of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, said many members of the organization chose the University because of the diverse atmosphere.

"For a lot of students in my organization, it is important that there is an atmosphere of diversity," said Pimentel, a Law second-year student. "If we lose affirmative action, we consequently lose any programs targeted at minority groups that help them adjust and progress."

Pimentel said members of APALSA have not expressed feelings that they don't belong.

"The lawsuit is not a challenge to the students who are already here," Pimentel said. "It makes people afraid of the future environment."

Affirmative action has not become a detriment to the University, despite the pending lawsuits, Pimentel said.

"If affirmative action has created opportunity for them, its something they welcome and they don't feel stigmatized at all," Pimentel said.

Korean Student Association President Jeanah Hong, said no one has brought concerns of inadequacy to her.

"For some reason people don't think affirmative action is aimed toward Asians," said Hong, an LSA senior. "Everyone is affected by affirmative action, even Caucasians."

"Affirmative action is totally implemented into the admissions process and it affects every person," Hong said.

Secretary and Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison said he has heard a great deal of support from minority students for the University's "unwavering commitment to affirmative action."

Harrison said the attention given to affirmative action may affect some students in a negative way.

"That kind of discussion makes them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious," Harrison said. "It's natural when many people are raising issues like this that the people affected are particularly vulnerable.

"All of our students are highly qualified to be here," Harrison said.

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