Berkeley Students Rally Against Affirmative Action Ban
By KPIX - BCN
Thursday February 01 06:20 PM EST
A group of students hoping to roll back the University of California ban on affirmative action were out at UC Berkeley's Sproul Plaza today, gathering signatures and momentum for an upcoming march. "There's been a growing movement, not just here," said student activist Ronald Cruz. "Reversing the ban in the very place where the attack on affirmative action started will inspire the nation."
With then-Gov. Pete Wilson and Ward Connerly leading the way, the UC regents voted in 1995 to end race- and gender-based admissions at all UC campuses. One year later, Californians decisively voted for Proposition 209, effectively banning affirmative action in all state institutions. The students, representing the UC Berkeley student government and other groups, are planning a rally March 8, which they say will draw thousands of marchers -- including high schools students out on "field trips."
"We're expecting about a thousand high school students," Cruz said. He said the group will gather at the campus' Pauley Ballroom at about 10 a.m., then at noon start from Sproul Plaza and march through the campus and the city of Berkeley. "This is just the beginning," promised fellow activist Hoku Jeffrey. He said the purpose of the march is "so the movement can win this first victory."
For more information on actions to restore affirmative action and UC Berkeley see BAMN News.
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