Kim elected UMC chairperson

In an unexpected upset, last-minute candidate You-Lee Kim was elected chairperson of the new United Minorities Council last night. Kim, a College sophomore and member of the Korean Cultural Society, defeated two juniors, Nancy Chang and John Shu. Kim declared her candidacy just before last night's 9 p.m. deadline and has not held a position in the UMC in the past. Shu served this year as the UMC's vice-chairperson and Chang also was an officer of the Council. Kim will add the role of UMC chairperson to her current duties as a member of the Undergraduate Assembly and University Council. In addressing the UMC before the election last night, Kim said that the UMC is at a crossroads and needs to change course. She said that she will bring a new level of achievement to the organization, and that under her leadership, the University will see a more vocal and informed UMC. "We've been a silent minority for so long," she said. "The logo of my administration is 'We will be heard.' " UMC members in attendance challenged Kim's knowlege of the UMC during the debates that preceded the election, as several people pointed to her lack of activism within the UMC and in minority affairs in general. Kim said that she has come to understand the UMC through her experience in the UA and from speaking with outgoing UMC chairperson Nalini Samuel. Kim could hold four separate positions if she wins the Council Steering Committee election on May 8th, and she said that she intends keep each position. If elected, Kim said she will be able to effectively handle all four posts. "I will do some delegating, so it will not be a crunch on my part," she said. Kim, concerned that minorities are experiencing a "backlash" against their activism, said she will work to push through and realize the agenda of the UMC. She said the organization "can't label issues as minority concerns, they are societal concerns." Need-blind admissions was one of the major topics of debate, and Kim emphasized that it is not an issue exclusive to minorities. "We need to make people realize this, and we need to see where we can cut capital and channel it to need-blind," she said. Former chairperson Samuel said that Kim's experience with the UA will be helpful to the UMC. She said she is "really excited" about the new board, noting that it is "very balanced" between UMC organizations. The rest of the new UMC positions include Chang, who was elected vice-chairperson. She said she hopes to further unite minorities on campus and increase interaction between minority groups. Wharton sophomore Cesar Hernandez was elected treasurer. He said he wants to "look into deeper pockets," such as alumni and corporate contributions, to raise money for the organization. Additionally, Wharton freshman Alicia Lewis was elected recording secretary, College freshman Jun Bang was elected corresponding secretary, College junior Lorraine Flores was elected Social Planning and Events Committee repesentative, College freshman Emily Rodriguez was elected UMC representative to Connaisance, and Frank Shek was elected Houston Hall Board representative.

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