UMC's Bang promises loud political voice

Change and a strong political agenda were the two major themes in last night's United Minorities Council board elections. UMC candidates said they want to see the UMC become a stronger presence on campus in the next year, with a louder voice for all minority students. The body elected former UMC Vice Chairperson Jun Bang to succeed College senior Pam Ureuta as the new UMC chairperson. Bang said she thinks that next year's UMC will have a stronger political voice on many issues including the new University administration and diversity on Locust Walk. "Politically, I see the UMC being very vocal and active next year," the College junior said. "I think the UMC is going to take a stronger stand with the administration." Bang added that the UMC will be actively involved in the proceedings to decide who will fill the empty Theta Xi fraternity house. "Diversity on the Walk is one of many issues the UMC will focus on," she said. Bang said the agenda for the new UMC board will be decided in the fall, but said the group will be active in the summer as well. "There will be things going on in the summer," she said. "We want to take an active role in the [choices] for the president and provost." Bang added that she will press to continue the cultural aspects of the UMC because she said she considers them "very important." The UMC, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, recently came under fire from its founder Sheryl George-MacAlpine for losing its "focus" and not being as united as it could be. Bang said she disagrees with George-MacAlpine's claims. "The UMC was formed to make [University] life better for minority students," she said. "We're still doing that, and we'll continue for 15 more years." Other newly elected board members include Wharton junior Alicia Lewis as vice chairperson, College sophomore Karen Velazquez as treasurer, College sophomore Shreya Patel as corresponding secretary and College junior Josie Jimenez as recording secretary.

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