EXTRA CREDIT: The Bruin Standard Article

There were several things I found problematic about this article titled "Illegal Immigrant-A Crime Not A Race" by Drew Wegner. Upon its publishing my roommate and I had a long conversation about it that inspired him to write a response which was later published in the Daily Bruin. Several things this author does in the article reflect the ignorance of white privilege and belief in a lie that the U.S is democratic. Wegner argues that "the student body as the right to oppress the English language," in other words USAC's ban on the word "illegal" imposes on our freedom of speech. Wegner asserts, "it may be time to point out the sensitive campus culture that the phrase 'illegal immigrant' has nothing to do with race and everything to do with unlawful individual actions." To be honest, I do not know what makes me more upset, my consciousness ready to burn the author's arguments, or the complete ignorance on the author's behalf and his ability to express his thoughts in an oppressive manner without repercussions. Sensitive campus climate? He feels that because these issue does not revolve around him or his communities that it doesn't affect the general population. Also, I question who says that "illegal" is linked to a particular race? Is this the author's inherent belief that "illegal" belongs to a certain race. What bothers me the most is that our institution continually allows students to voice their opinions that oppress the progression that is attempting to take place on campus. Prohibiting "illegal immigrant" is not a threat to free speech, but an educational movement for people that are ignorant of the violence against undocumented individuals both physically and institutionally. We should not be allowed to "freely" oppress people, it's just sickening that people today still think otherwise.