The University of California, Berkeley Bake Sale
In September, the College Republicans at the University of California, Berkeley, staged a bake sale to draw attention to SB 185, an affirmative-action-like bill that would allow public universities in California to use factors such as race, gender, and ethnicity in the admissions process. Pricing of the baked goods was based on race and gender, with white customers being charged significantly more than minority patrons. All women received a 25-cent discount. Many deemed the bake sale racist; however, organizers contended that it was no more racist than granting special admissions consideration to racial and ethnic minorities. Ultimately, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the bill, yet the event sparked widespread debate about the purpose and necessity of affirmative action. Photo used under Creative Commons from nappa.
