The call for “safe space” housing came approximately nine months ago in an aggressive letter published to the Afrikan Black Coalition website. Among fourteen demands, the letter included requests for millions of dollars of endowments to the Black Student Union.
“WE DEMAND $20,000.00 dollars per quarter allocated to the Black Student Union, an organization necessary for Black student development. The Black Student Union is one of the largest student organizations; yet, there is currently no operating budget,” the statement read.
“WE DEMAND a $30 million dollar endowment to help support Black students financially, akin to the initiative that is being implemented at UC Berkeley. Many Black students must work 2-3 jobs in order to pay for the continually rising cost of education,” it stated.
“WE DEMAND the creation and financial support of a CSLA housing space delegated for Black students and a full time Resident Director who can cater to the needs of Black students. Many Black CSLA students cannot afford to live in Alhambra or the surrounding area with the high prices of rent. A CSLA housing space delegated for Black students would provide a cheaper alternative housing solution for Black students. This space would also serve as a safe space for Black CSLA students to congregate, connect, and learn from each other,” the demand for segregation asserted.
In response, the university has unveiled the Halisi Scholars Black Living-Learning Community which, is described by university spokesman Robert Lopez as focusing “on academic excellence and learning experiences that are inclusive and non-discriminatory.”
Cal State Los Angeles is not the first school to offer so-called "segregated" housing. It is also offered at the University of Connecticut, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley.
