Readers React: Today’s college students say ‘enough’ on campus racism

To the editor: Decades ago I attended Cal State Los Angeles and UCLA. Rampant racism existed on both campuses. A white counselor, for example, attempted to dissuade me from pursuing a legal career, claiming that I lacked the aptitude to succeed. (“Sharp divisions emerge on campuses as some criticize activists’ tactics as intimidation,” Nov. 20)

As a history major, I was especially appalled by the racist curriculum. Professors taught us that ancient Egypt was in the Middle East, the Near East, the Mediterranean or even the Orient, when in reality Egypt was located in Africa. To promote the “discovery” myth regarding Christopher Columbus, our teachers ignored vast evidence of African presence and influence in the New World thousands of years before the Italian explorer arrived.

These institutions promoted white supremacy and ignored the dissent of students of color.

Thank God that a new generation of courageous students is “speaking truth to power.”

Legrand H. Clegg II, Long Beach

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