The Week in Brief

Law prof stirs debate on census categories

California Western Law School Professor Christine Hickman, DC '71, spoke at the Afro-American Cultural Center on Mon., Feb. 16 about recent controversies surrounding racial classification in the U.S. Census.

LIZ OLINER/YH Hickman questioned the current system of racial groupings in U.S. Census

Hickman, who is biracial, discussed the South African caste system and requirements for discrimination lawsuits as well as her opposition to a distinct "Multiracial" option on the U.S. Census survey.

"In a `Multiracial' category, the only factor that would bring you together is that you all have ancestors of different races," Hickman said. She proposed keeping the "Other" category and asking for a fuller description.

Hickman spent much time talking informally with the audience. The most heated topic was whether African Americans should, for the purpose of affirmative action, be classified by the gradation of skin darkness. Hickman and several multiracial students argued against this idea, fearing it might undermine social progress.

--Andrew Swan

Students to relive history at Knesset

Students from over 20 colleges will relive Israeli history as members of Israel's first parliament. Participants will be challenged with the same questions that the Israel Government faced in 1948.

According to Hillel Co-Coordinator Justin Florence, TD '00, "This conference allows students from Yale and across the country to really examine the state of Israel." The conference will also feature a performance by Israeli pop star David Broza.

--Yeora Song

'Titanic' discoverer shares stories at Tea

Ballard also uncovered the "world's only major ecological system living without the sun's energy" along the world's undersea volcano ridges. An oceanographer, explorer, and scientist, Ballard pioneered the use of unmanned robots in ocean research,which he termed "a new paradigm of ocean exploration." Ballard's honors include the National Geographic Society's most prestigious award, The Hubbard Medal.

Ballard is currently working on combining technical experience and humanist interests in deep-sea archaeology.

--Andrew Guenzer

PRISM to focus on 'queer people of color'

"Our goals are to raise issues of concern to LGBT people of color that are seldom raised in academia, as well as to build a community of queer students," Coordinator Julian Liu, MC '99, said.

On Fri., Feb. 20, the conference will feature a "Night of Words, Music, and Drag," by queer artists of color at the GPSCY. The following day, there will be a series of three workshops: "HIV/AIDS in Communities of Color," "Queer Theory, Ethnic Studies," and "Integrating Identities: LGBT People of Color Building Communities." Speakers include members of HIV/AIDS groups, graduate students, and community activists.

--Lauren Patrick

Law students urged to ignore number one rank

Yale law students acknowledged the importance of the ranking in attracting students. "I definitely think the fact that Yale has consistently ranked number one has affected and continues to affect students coming to this institution," a second-year student said anonymously.

David Hoffman, JE '98, who received the letter and has already been accepted to several top law schools, defended the rankings. "The rankings are a good thing. Obviously the deans are going to complain, because it makes them insecure," he said.

--Jay Munir

Yalies get a chance to meet their alders

Gonzalez prompted a broad discussion by asking whether Yale was "net-good or net-bad" for New Haven. The alders agreed that Yale exerts a positive influence on the economy and provides valuable cultural resources but expressed reservations. "One sore spot for a lot of people is the way Yale deals with labor relations," Gonzalez said.

In addition, the alders and audience addressed downtown development, Yale's partnerships with local schools, and a recent proposal to ban alcohol and tobacco advertisements near schools, parks, and community centers.

--Jennifer Supernaw

Back to News...