Controversy at UC Irvine Over Blackface Video

This week, a big controversy erupted at UC Irvine when members of a largely Asian-American fraternity made a video mocking a Jay-Z song, in which the actors appeared in blackface. The UCI campus paper, New University, has a report along with the offending video.

 http://www.newuniversity.org/2013/04/news/racist-video-stuns-uci/

Here is the statement by UCI Chancellor Michael Drake, which is also linked above:

Chancellor’s Message

You may have seen or heard about a video parody produced by members of a local fraternity chapter, which has been the focus of media attention today. I was shocked and dismayed by its offensive and bewildering insensitivity. Whether this represents a profound ignorance of history or a complete disregard for the feelings of others is not the point; in either case this behavior is reprehensible and precisely contrary to the values that we live by and the principles that guide us.

UC Irvine does not condone or support this behavior in any way; the video was produced independently. The fraternity has since issued an apology to fellow students; nevertheless, responsible parties will be held accountable for their actions.

I directed our Student Affairs team to launch an investigation, which has already included meetings with student groups and fraternity members, to determine next steps. I expect a report within days. Appropriate action will follow shortly.

This video, and the symbolism that it represents, is not what we stand for. Our values underscore respect and empathy. We are committed to diversity. Our academics and student programming reflect these ideals. We will use this regrettable incident to redouble campus education efforts about the toxic effects of insensitivity, and will continue to work toward building a truly inclusive community.

Chancellor Michael V. Drake, M.D.
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As  one who is old enough to know the history of blackface acts (even though it was before my time), there is no question that it is offensive to black Americans, and the fraternity should have known better. I am also disappointed that it was a mostly Asian-American fraternity. Around half of the student body at UCI is Asian-American, and this is not representative of what I have observed from them over the 15 years I have been working on campus. I prefer to believe that it was a case of sheer ignorance of the history of blackface as opposed to any malicious intent. Yet, it was wrong to do so, and apologies are in order.

For the record, here is the statement Chancellor Drake issued in 2010 after Amir Abdel Malik Ali made his offensive comments supporting Hamas, Hizbollah, Islamic Jihad, and telling the audience, "You Jews, Y'all  the new Nazis" during the Muslim Student Union's annual anti-Israel week.


http://garyfouse.blogspot.com/2010/05/uc-irvine-chancellor-drake-condemns.html

Subject: From the Chancellor 
From: "Michael V. Drake, Chancellor" 
Date: Sat, May 15, 2010 5:30 pm
To: UCI Campus Community:;
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"As I often do when events occur that breach our university's
commitment to values and civility, I feel a necessity to speak out.
I'm speaking today of the offensive remarks supporting terrorism made
during the question period following a noontime lecture at the
flagpole on Thursday.

The past week included several speeches, lectures and discussions
providing opposing views on the Middle East conflict, one of the
world's most troubling confrontations. Much of what was said was the
type of discourse on a difficult issue that is the hallmark of an
educational institution committed to an exchange of ideas. Some of
these views are very difficult and offensive to listen to. As is the
case on all campuses, events sponsored by campus organizations and
visitors may feature ideas and opinions that can be starkly different
from ours. But as we know, it is nevertheless incumbent upon us to
protect the freedom of speech of those who visit our campus to express
their views, even when we disagree.

Let me be clear: we condemn the speaker's endorsement of terrorism.
Nothing could be more contrary to our fundamental values and our
commitment to dialogue and democratic rule, not violence. We are an
educational institution that promotes, practices and teaches
tolerance; these remarks supporting terrorism were deplorable.

As a public university our free speech venue is open to a broad range
of views, and we're a stronger campus for doing that. But we will
never allow ourselves to be defined by the outside views of others.
They may speak here, but they don't speak for us."


Chancellor Michael Drake
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It is important that all ethnic or religious groups on campus be treated with respect  in an equal manner by all other groups, and the administration should respond as equally as possible to all offenses, no matter who the victim group is or who the offender is.