by Sandy Chang, Political Reporter

Updated: 06/01/2012, 12:11 AM

The University of Chicago, in a recent statement provided to Le Prestige, made no mention regarding action taken to reprimand Alpha Delta Phi and Delta Upsilon for behavior U. of C. students, staff, and faculty call "immature, disgusting, and horrifically racist".

On May 8, pledges at the Alpha Delta Phi house, located at 5747 S. University, were seen mowing the lawn outside the frat house while wearing “oversized sombreros and ponchos,” as a stereo loudly played ranchera music.

Around May 21, the Delta Upsilon fraternity, located at 5714 S. Woodlawn, posted on Facebook about a planned party with a theme of “Conquistadors and Aztec Hoes.” Students and party-goers were encouraged to bring “an unlimited need to conquer, spread disease and enslave natives,” said the May 25 issue of the Maroon, a student newspaper at the University of Chicago.

Jeremy Manier, News Director for the University of Chicago, discussed the "primary response" the university has given to media sources and the community. "The University released an open letter to the University of Chicago community on this issue from Kimberly Goff-Crews, Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students in the University," Manier mentioned. "The letter goes into some detail concerning the University's guiding values on such issues, and the processes in place to address bias-related incidents."

The letter, written by Goff-Crews, entitled, "How core values shape the University’s response to bias reports", makes note of "offensive stereotypes", a "statement on diversity", and "freedom of expression".

Some students believe the letter does not do enough to address the specifics regarding the situation. Erika Lim, a sophomore at U. of C., noted that the letter does not mention any action taken by the university to reprehend Alpha Delta Phi and Delta Upsilon members.

"I think (U. of C.) is washing its hands", Lim stated. "By discussing 'freedom of expression' in this letter, it seems like the university wants to defend the fraternities who were acting belligerently. It's not fair."

In the letter, there is explicit mention that U. of C. and its community members "respect freedom of expression and do not attempt to shield every community member from every offensive act."

Le Prestige spoke to a tenure professor at the University of Chicago. Michael, as he chose to identify himself, stated that the university is attempting to protect itself amid such a heated issue. "The university is trying very hard to prevent this from going viral," he commented. "However, by not making mention of alleviating the situation for those offended, the student body, faculty, and staff, (U. of C.) is digging itself into a much larger problem."

Some students feel that Alpha Delta Phi and Delta Upsilon's actions are similar to those of terrorism. Howard Skye, a graduate student majoring in political science, mentioned that the two fraternities' actions coincide with the values associated with terrorism.

"These kids tried to be cute and funny by degrading a large portion of our population, but they don't realize that intimidation, hateful language, and coercion that affect a large group of people is terrorism in essence," Skye confidently told Le Prestige. "You have young women, Latino students, Asian-Americans, and many others who are deeply offended...and very upset. It doesn't matter what your skin color is, what the frats did is not acceptable and U. of C. needs to reprehend them before something else happens."

As of Thursday afternoon, University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer failed to comment on the situation.

By Sandy Chang, Political Reporter

Chicago - University of Chicago fraternity had pledges wear sombreros and mow campus lawns as Latin music played while another frat planned a party for “Conquistadors and Aztec Hoes", both of which led to a criticism from the school’s dean of students and many student groups.

Both incidents, which occurred this month, have drawn the ire of many Latino, Asian-American, and African-American students and others who said the fraternities were racist, ignorant, and in poor taste.

Some students reported to campus authorities that on May 8, pledges at the Alpha Delta Phi house were seen mowing the lawn outside the frat at 5747 S. University while wearing “oversized sombreros and ponchos,” as a stereo system played Latin music, according to the Chicago Maroon, the student newspaper.

Around May 21, the Delta Upsilon fraternity, at 5714 S. Woodlawn, posted on Facebook about a planned party with a theme of “Conquistadors and Aztec Hoes.” Party-goers were encouraged to bring “an unlimited need to conquer, spread disease and enslave natives,” said the May 25 issue of the Maroon.

Late Saturday, a Delta Upsilon official said in an email to a few local news agencies that the fraternity “deeply regrets that our initial event title and description offended members of the university community, and is taking steps to mend our relationships with the individuals and organizations that we have harmed. We have publicly apologized and reached out to various student organizations and have begun a dialogue with them so that we can create a more positive and trusting environment between ourselves and them.”

He said the event title was changed “within an hour of appearing on Facebook” but the fraternity eventually canceled the event.

Students who answered the door Saturday at Alpha Delta Phi, where the lawn looked unkempt, declined to comment. A young man inside the house said, “We were told not to say anything so it wouldn’t cause any problems...we aren't allowed to talk to (people of color).” He and another student referred inquiries to a fraternity official they identified as a chapter alum, but the man couldn’t be reached for comment.

Asked if fraternity members would avoid wearing sombreros in the future, the second student said, “I don’t know about that, many of the frat guys hate Mexicans.”

In a statement posted on the U. of C. website, the dean of students said the institution’s “core value of rigorous and open inquiry is threatened” when comments degrade others based on their identity.

“In the past few weeks, the University has received two separate reports of incidents in our student community that invoked offensive stereotypes of members of particular racial, ethnic and gender groups,” said Kimberly Goff-Crews, the university’s dean of students. “I am troubled by the impact such incidents have on the wider student community, as they conflict with our values as an intellectual community and harm our ability to fulfill our educational mission.”

Many students said they felt troubled.

Regarding the “Conquistadors and Aztec Hoes” invite, “It’s frustrating that people believe it’s justifiable to promote racism and rape culture, so a lot of the female student groups and people of color are upset,” said U. of C. student Carol Marquette, 20.

Regarding the report of lawn-mowing, sombrero-wearing pledges, a 23-year-old student who identified himself as Al said, “We have many Latino students, workers, and visitors. If they’d seen how stupid these white kids were acting, they might have been offended.”

As of Monday, Alpha Delta Phi has yet to be penalized for their actions. Some students are outraged by this and expressed concerns. Marco Becerril, a 19 year-old transfer student from Niles, IL, said, “These students, that frat, and our university aren't doing anything to alleviate the situation." Becerril, a student activist, mentioned that he has found it is often the case that the University of Chicago let's issues of racism and sexism slide, especially if the aggressors are part of a fraternity.

"The frat got a slap on the wrist, and this makes everyone think that it's OK to promote and make light of such a violent period in history where rape and violence was ever-present. Furthermore, these guys feel they are entitled to degrade a group of people and women. The (University of Chicago) sickens me.”

by Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Sandra Angel
Le Prestige du Monde Photographer

Chicago - The family of Trayvon Martin, the young man shot to death in Florida by George Zimmerman, met with Reverend Jesse Jackson and members of the press at the Rainbow PUSH National headquarters in Hyde Park.

Tracy and Sybrina Martin seek justice for their son. “We are the voice of Trayvon Martin,” Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton Martin said.

“He’s not here to speak for himself so we as his parents have decided instead of sitting back and not doing anything, this is what we have decided to do, to help our community and to help other parents.”

As she spoke about her son, Fulton also mentioned her family’s Justice for Trayvon Foundation, which helps teens identify signs of racial profiling. She also called on Congress to amend Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which allows a person in fear of bodily harm to use force, particularly deadly force, in the face of a perceived threat.

The unarmed Martin was allegedly killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla. on Feb. 26, sparking nationwide protest and cries of injustice against African Americans and people of color.

Zimmerman, who is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge, has claimed self-defense and said he only fired because Trayvon Martin attacked him.

By law, the Florida-based county’s morgue couldn’t let the elder Martin see the body. Instead, he was forced to identify his son by gruesome crime scene photos.

“As any of you know as parents, or family members of slain victims, to look at a crime scene photo, it’s very disturbing,” Tracy Martin said.

“...That was certainly very disturbing to just see that picture of my son on the ground dead. That will be ingrained in my memory for the rest of my life.”

Jackson said it’s time to “stop the killing,” pointing out that nearly 30,000 people in the country die from gun violence each year.

He also addressed recent reports that showed Trayvon Martin had trace amounts of marijuana in his system, saying it had nothing to do with his death.

"I urge all parents, whether brown, white, or black, to teach their children about their right to live freely and without hate," Tracy Martin told Le Prestige. "No one should have to live in fear of civilian or police abuse and brutality."

By: Ogilvie Zavala
Associate Arts Editor

Bangkok - The Thai criminal justice system consists of multiple agencies that were created to facilitate the efficiency of the judicial system. However, due to limited interaction amongst the agencies, efficiency is compromised. With resurgence of political instability in Bangkok, some argue that police injustices are becoming more commonplace.

In Thailand, during the pre-trial and trial process of a crime, the judiciary branch remains inactive while the executive branch takes control of the case. The prosecutor cannot conduct criminal investigations and can only request that the police conduct an investigation. The police then have the option to neglect the prosecutor’s consultations. A prosecutor can initiate a criminal charge when an “inquiry” relating to the offense has been made. The offense can then be prosecuted if the police support the decision.

On several occasions, the police have exercised their power to conduct warrant-less arrests and searches. Many Thai citizens are concerned that the police’s control over the judiciary system is a threat to their freedom. According to Nay Nathapat, a local Bangkok resident of the Silom district, “The unlimited power the police has suppresses the rights of innocent Thai people.”

Numerous people in the Thai capital believe that with recent Red Shirt protesters, those in favor of the local people according to a spokesperson for the group, police investigations and criminalization of the innocent will continue.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra spoke to a crowd in Bangkok via video link early this week, calling for justice but also for reconciliation in the still politically fractured country. Thaksin fled into exile after being ousted by a 2006 military coup, and was convicted of corruption in absentia.

"We have fought for too long," said Thaksin, dressed in a red shirt. He told the crowd that he was speaking from a location in Asia, but did not specify where.

"All the misunderstandings must cease. We have to stop blaming others. Let's think about our children and their future," Thaksin said.

The Red Shirt conflict is largely between the poor and rural masses, many of whom backed Thaksin, and supporters of Thailand's traditional power holders in the royal palace and the military. While police officers often politically side with Red Shirt protesters, they have a duty to protect the country.

Lailani Choontrakul, a noodle soup vendor in the Bang Rak district of downtown Bangkok, mentioned that the police aren't very sympathetic to civilian needs. "They come here, demand a free meal, and ask me where I stand politically", Choontrakul mentioned. "It's a bit frightening because these are the people who are supposed to protect us. They arrest fast, ask questions later. This isn't how things used to be."

by Sandy Chang
Political Contributor

Minorities play a significant role in society, but why aren't they present on television? Why are most television shows filled with actors/actresses whom hardly reflect the mass population? What does this say about American society? Asian-Americans, like many other minorities, have historically been underrepresented in media and television.

In order to obtain better a sense of where American television stands on having minorities, such as Asians and Latinos, on the air, one can watch shows like Gossip Girl or Ugly Betty. In these shows we see a limited tolerance for cultural diversity and an embrace for cultural stereotypes.

Recent studies show that only 3% of all characters in prime time television are Latino while Asian-American account for 2%. Many Americans falsely believe that the majority Asian-Americans are shy and submissive, play the cello like Yo Yo Ma, and excel in Math. Latinos are viewed as the seductive, tanned, exotic beauties that work in hospitality and landscaping. Promoting these types of social and economic stereotypes in the airwaves further wedges them into the respective communities burdening generations of people of color.

When analyzing and comparing minorities in the media, one can’t help but notice the variety of shows Asian-Americans and Latinos appear in. Yin Chang, a Chinese American, plays Nelly Yuki, a fictional, overachieving, timid Japanese-American in Gossip Girl. America Ferrera, a Honduran-American, plays Betty Suarez, a chubby Mexican-American with a large family who works in the fashion industry in Ugly Betty. Political and geographical lines tells us that Chinese people are not Japanese and Hondurans are not Mexicans, so why the false representation on television?

Although many Latinos and Asian-Americans face many of the same socio-economic problems in society, this is often ignored by the film industry. Latinos are regularly portrayed as impoverished and living in impoverished areas while Asian-Americans, also known as the “model minority,” are wealthy and reside in in the suburbs.

These socio-economic stereotypes on television are a reflection of how society and Hollywood choose to view these ethnic groups. If race or ethnicity were taken less into consideration and acting skills were solely acknowledged, then the airwaves would be much more diverse. Aspiring actors and actresses that refuse to compromise their integrity to play stereotypical roles would be aired, thus resulting in an increase in the number of minorities on the airwaves.

by Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director

Chicagoans and visitors from across the nation took to the streets to protest the NATO summit and what they believe are a number of issues that challenge basic freedoms and liberties.

Thousands of demonstrators upset with the war in Afghanistan, climate change and the erosion of union rights marched through downtown Chicago on Sunday, taking their discontent on a wide range of issues to world leaders assembled for a NATO summit.

The protest was to end at the lakeside convention center hosting the two-day meeting, which is focused on the war in Afghanistan, European missile defense and other international security matters.

Some participants called for the dissolution of NATO, the 63-year-old military alliance that is holding its 25th formal meeting in Chicago. It is the first time the gathering has been held in a U.S. city other than Washington.

The march lacks the size and single message that shaped the last major protest moment in Chicago, when nearly half a million people filled the city's downtown in 2006 to protest making it a felony to be an undocumented immigrant.

Janet Rodríguez, protester from Batey Urbano and Latin@ Coalition, protested in the name of Oscar López Rivera. Rivera, according to the National Boricua Human Rights Network, is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who's been imprisoned since May 29th, 1981 on charges of conspiracy and minor arms charges.

"He's influenced the Humboldt Park community tremendously and we want him home now,' Rodríguez stated. "It's been 31 years. We are protesting for (his) unjust incarceration...we also want Obama to free Puerto Rico from colonization." Ms. Rodríguez, also president of Latino Alliance at Columbia College in Chicago, believes that solidarity is key in these protests. "We all collaborated for this."

Organizers of Sunday's rally had initially predicted tens of thousands of protesters this weekend. However, that was when the G-8 summit was also scheduled to be in Chicago. Earlier this year, President Barack Obama moved the Group of 8 economic meeting to Camp David, the secluded retreat in Maryland.

Sunday's protest followed several smaller demonstrations over the previous two days, including a march Saturday to the home of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama's former chief of staff.

Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said officers would be ready with quick but targeted arrests of any demonstrators who turn violent Sunday.

Security has been tight throughout the city. As police gathered in large numbers on street corners, near parks and landmarks, the city's streets remained largely vacant and many downtown buildings closed.

"It's quite odd to be in Chicago right now," said Kyle Sims, a pastry chef out for a jog near his home. "The presence of so much police is unnerving and a bit frightening."

The official Cook County of Illinois's "Setting Bond" document for the NATO 3 protesters arrested Saturday, May 20th, 2012 in Chicago.

by Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director

As Chicago prepared for the 2012 NATO Summit that begins Sunday morning, Le Prestige reporters and contributors went across Chicago and captured diverse impacting scenes of the day. The diverse set of submissions by locals grasp the essence of Chicago on Saturday.

[Chicago] Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago for an important diplomatic summit hosted by President Barack Obama. From May 20-21, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold meetings in Chicago.

This is the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit, and, in addition to world leaders visiting Chicago, about 2,000 journalists from across the world are expected to attend to chronicle the events. (For more information about these events, see the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 website.)

If you are planning on taking public transportation, one should know that safety and security measures implemented by the Secret Service, as well as street closures due to events or public gatherings, may necessitate reroutes on a number of bus lines during the summit and around related events.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will continue to operate the services riders depend on to get around town.

Tips for an easier trip during and in the days surrounding the summit

Check advance notice alerts for any routes you wish to take. You can see current and upcoming alerts about events that affect service in the Alerts / System Status section of the CTA website, or look up your route and see any alerts related to it.

You can sign up to receive e-mail or text alerts about your route from CTA Updates for the latest information about unplanned events that affect service.

Consider riding the "L" during the NATO events. While street closures will necessitate bus reroutes, riders expect rail services to operate normally because they use a private right-of-way (path). Because of this, ‘L’ service may be a better option for you. In fact, CTA claims to be adding additional service and/or capacity, at certain times throughout the event, to accommodate bus riders who might switch to rail.

Impact on Trip Planners and Bus Tracker

Due to technological limitations, short-term, temporary reroutes, are not able to be reflected in trip planners and in Bus Tracker. What does this mean?

• Google Transit and the RTA’s Goroo trip planners will provide directions for regularly scheduled service. Reroutes will not be reflected in these systems, so be sure to check alerts to see if your service will be affected.
   
• Bus Tracker is unable to make predictions for buses that have gone off of their usual route because it isn’t able to automatically anticipate when a bus will re-join its usual route. While Bus Tracker will continue to work normally for most routes and stops, buses that are presently off-route will not show in predictions at stops further down the route until it is back on its normal path.

If you are attending the NATO events, be safe and make sure to avoid driving downtown if possible. As always, Le Prestige will have the latest developments.