ACLU warns attacks on 'disfavored groups' adds to students woes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 5, 2010
Contact: Nikos Leverenz 916/248-0338 or ACLU-Sac public affairs 916/996-9170

ACLU warns that attacks on ‘disfavored groups’
at universities one more challenge for students
already hit hard by drastically-rising costs

SACRAMENTO – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Sacramento County today said recent “bias-related incidents” at California schools – including one at the University of California Davis where a Jewish student had a swastika carved into her door – ought to result “in a heightened commitment to student safety.”

The ACLU said the attacks are just one more challenge for California students, who have faced drastically increased student fees and tuition costs, which were protested throughout the state Thursday.

“The recent acts of vandalism at UC Davis are unbecoming of any institution of higher learning committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment… administrators and law enforcement statewide should be particularly sensitive to the vulnerability of historically disfavored groups,” warned the ACLU in a letter.

“Tough economic times and rising student fees have drastically and negatively impacted California’s student population. Facilitating more honest and open dialog in public forums is an important means of recognizing and validating student grievances.

“California's constitution expressly recognizes an individual's liberty of conscience. The ACLU of Sacramento supports those students who publicly exercise that liberty in a manner that has due regard for the integrity and safety of all persons.”

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