By Zachary Parente
In our activist efforts, UCLA and USC have much in common. Many
political and social groups at USC have UCLA counterparts, and the
Bruins seem concerned with the same social and global issues as the
Trojans. Both schools are troubled by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, both
show concern over labor exploitation, and both (especially UCLA)
are horrified by the conflict occurring in Sudan.
The efforts of the two campuses in political movements should be
combined. Through combined marches, petitions and awareness events,
think of the impact UCLA-USC unity would have. The collaboration
between schools would strengthen students’ political power,
and the fact that we are age-old rivals united for a greater cause
will only draw more attention to our efforts.
Student bodies have immense political power, which could be
strengthened if the two universities join forces. We saw the
positive effects of campus collaboration earlier this year when
students at multiple University of California campuses joined to
convince the entire UC system to divest from Sudan.
With more USC-UCLA unity, the students of Los Angeles can become
a strong force within the politics of the city and the nation. And
not only can Trojans and Bruins raise awareness, sign petitions, or
have all-night call-ins to their representatives, the two campuses
can have an immediate effect on the political and social conditions
of Los Angeles by working together.
USC has a combined enrollment of about 33,000 students; UCLA has
one of around 45,000. That is 78,000 young, intelligent people who
have the opportunity to put their activism goals to the street to
change the city for the better.
I encourage UCLA campus groups to get in touch with their USC
counterparts. Invite them to your events and ask if you can attend
theirs. Planning of events and fundraisers should also involve
crosstown collaboration; student organizations will have more
resources and manpower to put on events this way. We could also
hold citywide events where not only students from USC or UCLA are
invited but the residents of the Los Angeles area as well.
A healthy sports rivalry is one thing (I will probably weep when
UCLA wins back the Victory Bell). But this rivalry should be left
in the stadiums. The minute the game ends, both Trojans and Bruins
are L.A.-area students who should be working together.
UCLA and USC have tremendous academic reputations and carry
heavy influence in Los Angeles. It is time for us to use this
influence for our own goals.
Trojans, take off those “fucla” shirts, and Bruins,
take off your “A Trojan is only Good Once” gear.
Let’s get our hands dirty together because Los Angeles has
more than enough to clean up.
Parente is a 2006 USC graduate and former Daily Trojan
columnist. A version of this submission previously appeared in the
Daily Trojan.