Segregated housing at Cal State LA draws criticism

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11) - Cal State LA is setting aside 20 dorms for African-American students in the 192 unit complex. It is called the Halisi Scholars Black Living-Learning Community.

The idea is to have people who are interested in African-American issues live in the same area. So far, there are 24 students living in those dorms and the university says there is a waiting list to get in.

Critics call it separatism. They argue that racial barriers can not be torn down if people continue to segregate, even if it is self imposed.

Cal State LA says the criticism is unfair because the dorms are open to anyone -- not just black students. Plus, they say other universities have similar programs. UC Berkeley and Stanford also offer ethnic-themed dormitories.

Let us know what you think. Is this a good or bad idea?

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