Black law students respond to bake sale

Students, faculty and administrators from all over campusgathered in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center to better understandthe issue that put SMU in national headlines last week.

Tuesday afternoon, the Black Law Students’ Associationheld a press conference in the Commons to formally respond to theAffirmative Action Bake Sale held by the Young Conservatives ofTexas.

BLSA president Tanya Walker read a formal statement on behalf ofthe group and expressed concern about how the event wasportrayed.

Walker said that the sale was presented to the administration asa campus event. Under this definition, Walker said it should havebeen conducive to dialogue among the entire student body and not aprotest of affirmative action.

SMU provides debate areas for all student organizations to passout information on political issues. By not using this option,Walker said the ability to speak openly and create a dialogue washindered.

The BLSA said no grievance would be filed against the universityin regard to this issue.

Student Body President Thomas Kincaid’s closing remarksapplauded the show of unity at the conference and invited studentsto a campus discussion on the topic. The discussion will be heldWednesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. on the first floor of Hughes-Trigg.

For many students, this is the first time they have seen such aresponse to a political issue at SMU.

Junior corporate communications and public affairs major ValeriePhillips was pleased by the turnout.

“I think it’s important that the student body takesinto account other points of view,” Phillips said.

She said the educated arguments impressed her because they werethought provoking instead of instigating confrontation. Althoughthe event was successful, it is just one step in fully exploringthe issue.

Nina Morris, junior philosophy major and African-Americanstudent senator, said this should be a wake up call to minoritiesbecause this is a problem everywhere.

“Right now it’s our time, and it’s time tomake a difference,” Morris said. “Get educated and thentake action.”