Friday, July 18, 2008

So Much For the Fairytale...



Disney movies, although paragons of childhood fantasies about what adult life will be like, are not disillusioned about one thing: racism. Yes, these animated films are chock full of Old South imagery, stereotypes, and heck, even invisibility. While Disney is in the process of making its FIRST film starring a black princess, the company has had to go back to the drawing boards because its first script was a bit too...well, racist.

Check out this article from Jezebel and this short video from YouTube.

You might not be wishing upon any stars in the near future....Look how long it took for the dreams of black girls all over the world to come true.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

UPDATE!!!

As fresh-faced high schoolers cruise the round their necks proclaiming "I'm a new freshman!", I realized that itUSC campus with bright yellow lanyards a is--yet again--freshman orientation. These 2-day events bring all the new students to campus, along with their eager parents, to check out the programs, academics, campus, dorms, and all of the other perks the university has to offer.

But, I bet you didn't know that USC also offers a special overnight orientation for prospective LGBT students. Yep, that's right. It turns out that USC is the only school in the country that offers such a niche and inviting opportunity.

In fact, LGBT resources at USC are so great they have recently been recognized by the City of Los Angeles. Some of the university's standout programs include the USC LGBT Resource Center, the USC Lambda Gay and Lesbian Alumni Association, and the GLBT Student Assembly.

The article, which can be found on the main page of USC's Web site, also noted that USC tied for the nation's highest score in the most recent Advocate College Guide ranking of the "Top 20 Best of the Best Campuses for LGBT Students."

"USC also received a 'five-star' rating (highest possible) by the Campus Climate Index and was named a 'diversity leader' by the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition for its inclusive non-discrimination policy," the article added.

For me, this effort to reach out and make EVERYONE feel welcome is a big step--especially as a girl coming from the Deep South where differences aren't always celebrated. This is a breath of fresh air and a definite step in the right direction.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Sexual Assault at USC

It's been a lot of hard work and a long-term relationship with Google Pages in order to finish this project, but I think it's well worth the wait...

Revealing...
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT.
Ta-da!

If you want to know more about how USC deals with issues of sexual assault, alcohol, and consent, check out this new Web site to hear from students, administrators, and even a LAPD detective in the community.

There are pictures, videos, and links to outside resources that might be able to help if you (or someone you know) has been sexually assaulted. There's even a quiz you can take and place to leave your much-appreciated feedback.