A state-funded public university in California has now begun to offer segregated housing exclusively for black students in response to demands by members of the student body.
California State University, Los Angeles recently debuted the Halisi Scholars Black Living-Learning Community, a residential complex with furnished apartments that are exclusively for black members of the school’s community.
According to Cal State LA spokesman Robert Lopez, the Halisi Scholars Black Living-Learning Community “focuses on academic excellence and learning experiences that are inclusive and non-discriminatory.”
In an interview with The College Fix, Lopez declined to answer further questions or state how the new community was non-discriminatory if it was designed exclusively for members of a single ethnic group.
The new housing at CSULA comes in response to a list of demands issued to school administrators by the school’s Black Student Union last November. In their letter, the students complained of regular “racist attacks” on campus, including “racially insensitive remarks” and “microaggressions” committed by professors and students.
The segregated housing “would provide a cheaper alternative housing solution for black students,” according to the demand letter. “This space would also serve as a safe space for black CSLA students to congregate, connect, and learn from each other.”
In addition to their segregated housing request, the students also demanded a $30 million endowment by the university exclusively for black students, and also demanded that the school give their club $20,000 per quarter.
CSULA is not the first college in California to begin offering segregated housing for black students, as both UC Berkeley and UC Davis have now begun offering apartments and residences designed exclusively for black students during their college experience.
