FOR THE WEEK OF TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
Highlander University
Volume 62
C a l i f o r n i a , R ive r s i d e
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Issue 29
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UCR students propose gender studies requirement MICHAEL RIOS Senior Staff Writer
Much like UCR’s current ethnic studies requirement, a new proposal by some members of the UCR community would require UCR students to take a gender studies class before they graduate. According to representatives, the proposal “is meant to raise awareness of conflicts related to gender and sexuality.” The idea began in a gender studies course that associate professor of women’s studies Jane Ward taught in winter quarter after a series of controversial events occurred on campus. One of the incidents was a display of an inflatable fun house that featured what appeared to be women’s legs hovering over a bed. To Ward, this “demonstrated that some students did not have the critical skills needed to … help create a campus climate of respect for women and people of all genders.” The gender studies proposal has since garnered additional support from students taking Ward’s feminist theory class this quarter. Evanny Escobar is one of the students currently working on the campaign. According to her, despite the the proposal’s intent to make the course a requirement, it does not intend to delay students’ graduation. “We understand that many students have a very tight schedule as it is,” she said in a statement, “and right now we’re looking at
ways to incorporate this requirement without it negatively impacting graduation times.” The proposal would require UCR students to take one of the estimated 200 courses on campus that emphasize gender. Instead of adding units, one of the gender-related breadth courses in the humanities and social sciences that students already need to take would fulfill the proposed requirement. If the proposal is approved, then all undergraduate students at UCR, regardless of their major or college, would have to fulfill the gender studies requirement. The idea has already received some support. A Facebook page was created in support of the proposal and has generated hundreds of likes and positive feedback so far. According to Escobar, there has been some negative feedback from members of the community, however. “(People) think it’s going to be purely from a feminist’s perspective (and) that we’re men haters and we’re trying to rule everything, which is not what we’re going for,” explained Escobar. Despite this, the students have already brought the idea to ASUCR’s attention and a resolution about the subject is expected to be voted on during an upcoming senate meeting. For the proposal to take effect, however, it would need to be sponsored by the women’s studies department before it is presented to the ■H academic senate for approval.
COURTESY OF UC STUDENTS FOR GENDER STUDIES Demand for an undergraduate gender studies class requirement has risen due to controversial campus events, such as the display of what looked like inflatable female legs at the Adult Swim Fun House just months ago.
MCS Film Festival
INSIDE: Editorial: We’ve had record turnout for ASUCR elections. Now what? Read our open letter to ASUCR.
OPINIONS
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FEATURES
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The ultimate race against time, Relay for Life, passes baton of hope amongst cancer survivors and the warriors in the battle against it.
Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation celebrates the art, upand-coming animators and a hefty donation to UCR’s media reserves. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Editor-in-chief Michael Rios gives his thoughts on UCR adding a long-sought football program. The second annual Media and Cultural Studies Film Festival provides an amazing opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work.
A&E, PAGE 20
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SPORTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
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STAFF
PAGE 9 PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER READING