Pathetic: San Jose State looks to use (exactly one) mushead's undisclosed victimization as a catalyst to push tolerance and diversity statewide

03/23/2014

SAN JOSE, Calif. — 

The state assembly is now looking at the issues of tolerance, diversity and student safety, following a racially charged incident at San Jose State University last fall.

The first in a series of four hearings was held Friday on campus.

They're looking at the cultural "climate" on the San Jose State campus.

Students at the hearing said the forecast is gloomy.

"I don't think this campus is very safe for students of color," says student and panelist Latu Tapaatoutai.

This after an incident last fall where a African-American student says he was abused by his white roommates.

There have been criminal charges filed and the victim filed a claim.

And the state assembly decided it needed a comprehensive review of campus policies.

"We know we can't prevent every incident from happening but we can have clear policies and procedures and philosophies," says assembly member Shirley Weber.

And not just at San Jose State, but she says they need new policies at campuses statewide. The Assembly Select Committee will hold a total of four hearings looking at what works and what doesn't.

"The situation at San Jose State is really kind of shining a light on experiences that are happening, I believe, throughout the state as well as the nation," says Dr. Mary Wardell-Ghirarduzzi, the Vice Provost for Diversity Engagement at the University of San Francisco.

The San Jose State President says he welcomes the review.

"Our students deserve better," says president, Mohammad Quayoumi.

Still students say it's going to take more than just talk to make a difference.

"It's going to take a real commitment of resources," says student and panelist Gary Daniels.

Student Rebecca Asami attends CSU Fresno, but came especially for the hearing.

"It's good that we start the conversation. I don't think the conversation should end here by any means. But I guess at least we're starting it," she says.

The next hearing will be at UC San Diego on April 25th.

The plan is to have two more by September, and recommendations by the end of the year.

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