student protest racism

Jose Ramirez, first year business and an intern for UT Latinos, helps arrange the United Against Racism March in Austin, Texas on February 12, 2015. The group organized in front of the Cesar Chavez statue with their handmade posters before marching

UT Latinos’ student leaders stand in front of the crowd on February 12, 2015 during the United Against Racism March in Austin, Texas. The group held a rally in which leaders from various groups discussed the problems with both the party and the Univ

Amber Magee, second year biology, leads the rally before the United Against Racism March on February 12, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Magee is a LEAP mentor with the Leadership and Ethics Institute and discussed why culture should not serve as an attracti

Edwin Hurtado, fourth year government, helps lead the United Against Racism March in Austin, Texas on February 12, 2015. He is an officer in UT Latinos and participated in the march by standing with his fellow officers during the rally and by chanti

Nadia Flores, second year undeclared, stands in front of the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity house in Austin, Texas on February 12, 2015. She participated in the United Against Racism March in order to bring attention to University administrators

A UT student shouts, “hey hey, ho ho, these racist frats have got to go,” during the United Against Racism March on February 12, 2015 in Austin, Texas. The group marched from the Cesar Chavez statue to the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity house on

Andi Clark, junior Latin American studies, participates in the United Against Racism March on February 12, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Andi said she wants the University to be a safe place where her, and many other student’s, culture can be respected.

Maria Villalpando, third year biology, leads chants at the United Against Racism March on February 12, 2015 at The University of Texas at Austin. Chants included, “up up with education, down down discrimination!” in order to inform people of the gro

Philip Olalo, third year international relations, shouts back at an onlooker, who disagreed with the march, at the United Against Racist March on February 12, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Olalo felt rage when the onlooker shouted that the group did not de

The Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity house in Austin, Texas after the protest on February 12, 2015. Students placed their handmade signs on the house’s fence in order to show their thoughts on the fraternity’s “Western-Themed” party. Shortly after,

Over 100 students marched to the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house in order to raise awareness against racism to University officials and students last Thursday, February 12, 2015.

Phi Gamma Delta, better known as FIJI, held a “Western-Themed” party on Saturday, February 7, 2015. Supposedly people who went to the party thought the theme was “Border-Patrol” and dressed accordingly. Partygoers wore ponchos, sombreros, and border patrol outfits.

“They were making fun of the fact that people have crossed borders for a better life,” said Philip Olalo, third year international relations student, “they were making fun of the fact that individuals leave their family and friends behind in order to seek jobs in this country.”

UT Latinos organized the United Against Racism March to show UT’s administration how upset they are that events like FIJI’s party continue to happen.

Before the march to the FIJI house, members of the UT community rallied in front of the Cesar Chavez statue. Amber Magee, third year biology student, from the Leadership and Ethics Institute roused the crowd, “So if you tell me that it was just a joke, just a party I am going to tell you the fact that you are so privileged that you don’t recognize the problem with that is your issue not mine.”

The group walked past the FAC building to Whitis Avenue and then onto West 27th Street to the FIJI house. UTPD had Whitis closed to thru traffic for the event. As the group marched they chanted, “when our culture is under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!”

Some spectators gathered to watch the procession including a man who disagreed with the protest shouting, “You don’t deserve it!” when the group asked for respect.

While the FIJI party was the main cause of the march, many students and faculty say that racism is an ongoing issue they have to deal with. “…I’m a Latino student who is demanding a safe space at UT where my culture can be respected,” said Andi Clark, junior Latin American studies major. She said she has suffered micro-aggressions in the past.

The group wants to make sure the University realizes their issues with events like FIJI’s party. Nadia Flores, second year undeclared major, said, “This isn’t the first time a situation like this has happened…we have to hold the school accountable for letting this happen more than once.” Andi Clark added, “This party is just one example of the many.”

Some feel that the University lets these problems slide despite their obvious issues. “The University doesn’t do anything…unless we bring pressure,” said Carlos Salamanca, first year Latin American studies.

UT Latinos and other groups are working with both FIJI and the University to bring an end to racism. They plan to have programs that explain to members how to combat racism, not spread it. The protest ended with, “Si se puede,” (yes, it is possible) meaning that the group is hopeful they can reach their goal.