In a room with a sign proudly proclaiming ‘no isms/phobias,’ one student found herself excluded for precisely the thing the event vowed to fight against, ableism. But for a disabled Jewish student, this wasn’t just ironic; it was routine.
On October 28, Ha’Am reported that four Jewish students were excluded from participation in an open mic night hosted by UCLA’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner: an official member of student government funded by student fees. As a disabled, Jewish student, I noticed that the event also effectively excluded disabled individuals due to lack of accommodation.
As Mia was told by Commissioner Verdugo that her name was not on the list, despite receiving an RSVP confirmation, I stood behind her and swept my eyes across the room. The RSVP and flier for the event had already sent up alarm bells about the accessibility of the event. Not a single word was uttered about disability or accommodations. As a physically disabled student, I have quickly had to learn what to look for when assessing if an event will be accessible.
An event for “inclusivity” put on by an official division of student government should include disability accommodations on the flier and/or ask those who RSVP what accommodations they need. But at the “Fuck Your Bans Event,” there was no mention of accommodations and none were offered. Instead, it was riddled with cheap slogans relating to inclusivity and community. Clearly listed accommodations should be a standard for any event labeled “inclusive” and accessible.”
Upon entering the room—though never getting past the doorway—I noticed not a single seat was set aside or marked as accessible seating. No space was left for a student who may use a wheelchair. The edge seats were already taken—typically the most accessible seats due to the extra room on the side. These are typically the seats reserved for accessible seating and where I always sit.
Community guidelines sign including no “isms/phobias” all the while no accessible seating existed
The lack of accessibility breaks not only UCLA requirements for any event held at the university, be it for students or the public, but also California State and Federal requirements. Both the Federal Government and State require “reasonable accommodations” at all public events. The UCLA Center for Accessible Education specifically dictates that “event planners are responsible for the accessibility needs of participants with disabilities”. The Cultural Affairs Commission and Commissioner Verdugo, an official part of the student government clearly did not get this message –or worse, ignored it.
Central to the event was a typewriter where students were creating art. Yet, due to the placement of the typewriter, disabled students could not contribute. The typewriter was both too high and lacked knee space under the table for someone in a wheelchair. There was also no seating in front of the typewriter. Had I been allowed to write on it like the other attendees, I would have been unable to due to my cane and balance issues. Apparently, UCLA Cultural Affairs doesn’t believe students with disabilities have anything to add. I wonder if they even know we have a culture to share?
The inaccessible typewriter prevents Disabled voices from being heard
All the while, what was adding insult to injury? A sign on the wall proclaimed, “No isms/phobias.” But apparently, it doesn’t count when it’s ableism.
The movement of anti-Zionism has been riddled with haphazard intersectionality rhetoric, with issues like racial, gender, and queer justice portrayed as fundamental allies, even where they do not fit, make sense, or align with reality. Countless posts have painted Anti-Zionism as a Disability Liberation movement, with the problems of the Disabled Community co-opted for the movement. Yet, when Pro-Hamas events are planned, the disabled are cast aside, existing only to be tokenized. This “diverse” and “intersectional” movement will do anything to appear this way, except actual inclusion.
The Cultural Affairs Commission made no space for the Disabled community in their community. Disability justice is catchy as a talking point, but to this USAC government when it comes to tangible inclusion it’s just too inconvenient. Students with disabilities expect, demand, and deserve better.
The views expressed in this post reflect the views of the author(s) and not UCLA or ASUCLA Communications Board.
Cover Image by Grace Overman
