Race-based bake sale attracts attention at UC Learning Process

Race-based bake sale attracts attention at UC

Written on September 24, 2011 – 10:36 am | by Christopher Tulloch

(09-27) 12:13 PDT BERKELEY — A face-off on the UC Berkeley campus this morning pitted Democrats vs. Republicans, pro-affirmative-action students vs. those favoring race-blind policies, and, ultimately, cupcakes vs. brownies.

None other than former UC Regent and affirmative action opponent Ward Connerly, showed up on Sproul Plaza today to sell frosted cupcakes priced according to the race of the buyer.

Connerly, who wrote Proposition 209, the state’s voter-approved ban on race preferences in government programs, sat at a table with the Berkeley College Republicans to hawk their baked goods. The group’s stunt, which some students have called racist and insensitive, was touted as a satirical protest over legislation on the governor’s desk that would allow universities to consider race in admissions decisions.

The Republican students said offering more expensive pastries to white students and less expensive ones to students of other ethnicities illustrates the injustice of any division by race. A few feet away from their bake sale, opposing groups held a “Conscious Cupcakes” giveaway, handing out their own treats for free.

SB 185 would add race and ethnicity into the mix of factors universities can consider about applicants. The bill by state Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina (Los Angeles). Gov. Jerry Brown has until Oct. 9 to sign or veto the bill.

Although the Republican’s goodies were priced based on one’s race, anyone could pay what they wanted for the treats. In the first hour, the Republicans sold 30 cookies and 48 cupcakes.

“The point is, the people of California have said we don’t want to see race and color in admissions,” Connerly said while he and fellow Republicans were surrounded by angry students and others who oppose the tactic.

“Go to hell!” yelled Ann Callegari, an older African American student. “Are you the overseer?”

A few feet away, student government leaders staffed a table encouraging students to call the governor’s office in support of allowing universities to consider race in student admissions. So many people called that they got busy signals.

“OK, I’m on hold,” said Heidi Jimenez, an industrial engineering student holding a pink cupcake that she bought at a table from groups opposing the Republicans.

“Good,” said Devonte Jackson, a student leading the effort. “That means the lines are busy.”

The protests brought a crush of people, including the news media, to campus. Those who opposed the Republican bake sale chanted, “Hey hey, ho ho, this racist bake sale’s got to go.”

Brad Bitler, a white rhetoric student, pushed his way though the crowd and asked, “How many can I buy?” He plunked down $5 for an M&M cookie and an oatmeal one and said, “Good luck on the fundraiser.”

Chris Maldonado, a chemical engineering student, paid $1 for a green frosted cupcake. “I’m Hispanic, so I’ll pay a dollar,” he said. “I’m the son of two poor immigrants from Guatemala. Yes, there exists a disadvantage, but if you put the emphasis on education, you will get an education. Me and my two brothers are proof of that.”

Students Megan Escalona and Mia Tong carried a sign saying, “Free Goodies – Humans Don’t Have a Price Tag.” The Republicans’ bake sale “is extremely insensitive to all groups of people,” Tong said.

A Harry Potter-themed student group sold “enchanted Costco muffins,” selling them for “Two galleons to pure bloods” and “Eight sickles to muggles.”

Since 1996, Prop. 209 has constitutionally prevented California’s public universities from using race, ethnicity or gender in enrollment decisions. If SB 185 became law, universities would still be prevented from admitting students based on those factors, said Tim Valderrama, an aide to Hernandez.

“We’re saying you may be able to consider that as one of a number of different criteria” such as extra-curricular activities, Valderrama said.

Brown requested a legal opinion on the bill, and on Sept. 12 Legislative Counsel Diane Boyer-Vine gave the governor her written opinion that it would be constitutional.

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