This week, students at Bucknell University attempted to revive the anti-affirmative action event known as the “affirmative action bake sale” and the Dean of Students office brought back censorship of the event.
Affirmative action bake sales, where students are charged different amounts for baked goods based on race and other identity factors, were popular in 2005 as a provocative way to educate students on criticisms of affirmative action. Sadly, then as now, many schools attempted to silence the events, using a variety of excuses.
At Bucknell, the Dean of Students office first argued that the student group, the Bucknell University Conservative Club filled out the sales and solicitation form improperly. When students attempted to hold the event again, the Dean of Students office argued that even with a properly filled out form, the event involves illegal discrimination and is not a fundraising event.
It’s tough to see the administration’s move as anything other than an attempt to shut down a student event whose message they dislike.