Minorities react to college house plan

As the University makes plans to implement changes in its residential structure for the 21st century, questions about the proposal have arisen within the minority community. The new structure would consist of residential colleges within the current University dorm system. While many minority leaders said they continue to be open-minded about what the program could offer, some said they are skeptical about its potential effects. Black Student League President Kendrick Cox, a Wharton senior, said the idea of living with those of similar interests seems like a positive one. "The University is going through a structural change," Cox said. "It could mean an improvement in the current residential situation." Cox added that he would most likely support such changes as long as residential programs like W.E.B. DuBois College House were not affected. According to current plans, there are no scheduled changes in store for DuBois. Chantal Francois, president of Dessalines -- the Haitian student association on campus -- said she has some reservations about the plans. "There are pros and cons," she said. "After all, it could really enable people to explore interests that might not otherwise be an option for them." Francois explained that having a common ground inherently creates a beneficial living situation. "I think that it's important for students to be exposed to people with different backgrounds," she said. "But that doesn't mean jeopardizing their rights to be in a place where they feel comfortable." But some students believe the housing issue directly relates to freedom of choice. Chinese Student Association President and Wharton junior Winston Chow expressed his concern about restricting the rights of students. "If students are prevented from living where they want, then it's no longer productive," he said. Wharton junior Javier Marimon said he feels the residential college program would not be detrimental to the University's minority community. "As a freshman, I was exposed to all kinds of people," he said. "Living with people who share common interests could only enhance the University experience." Marimon added that he personally would not feel threatened by the installation of the residential college program, because he has enough of a cultural background. College senior Malavika Rao said she agreed.