UCLA student who posted anti-Asian YouTube video receives death threats

A UCLA student whose viral "Asians in the Library" YouTube video sparked a campus backlash and condemnation from the school's chancellor has received multiple death threats, the Daily Bruin reported.

Alexandra Wallace issued a statement to the campus newspaper on Monday, issuing an apology to the "entire UCLA campus."

"Clearly the original video posted by me was inappropriate," she said in the statement. "I cannot explain what possessed me to approach the subject as I did, and if I could undo it, I would."

In the the video, she suggests that Asians don't have manners and she also mocks students using a derogatory, fake Asian accent.

UCLA spokesman Phil Hampton has said university officials are evaluating whether the student may have violated the school's code of conduct and, if so, what possible discipline she could face.

Chancellor Gene Block's Facebook page was filled with dozens of messages -- many from students and alumni.

Some messages asked Block to expel her. Others suggested sensitivity training and cautioned against death threats and inappropriate behavior.

RELATED:

UCLA condemns video criticizing Asian students

Video attacking Asian UCLA students is 'hateful and ignorant,' school chancellor says

-- Kimi Yoshino

Comments

[Righteous Asian American Man]

But all the closet racists rationalize that her vitriol is free speech. Cool, I have unfavorable thoughts about EVERY race, because I'm a human being and IT'S HUMAN NATURE to do so, however I don't go around promulgating these unfavorable thoughts via "free speech." I don't go around planting seeds of racism in others' heads like, "I dislike x-race because they have a tendency to do this, let me mock their mannerisms by corrupting the way they talk..."

So yeah, she made a dumb mistake. As an Asian American I forgive her. Let her go back to her normal life...I'm certain she won't be returning to UCLA even if the administration pardons her behavior.

Ms. Wallace, if you're reading this, it's OK to have unfavorable thoughts about certain races, but acting on them in the public is dumb and you will pay the price for a very long time.

...There are 2 times when you are not prejudiced: when you're born, and when you die.

[jacqueline Tellalian]

I'm not surprised at the death threats, but her apology is pointless. the only thing this bleached bimbo's sorry for is that she got caught.

[loud haler]

@UCLAalum

are you kidding me? believe me, people of all races do things that annoy me. i get cut of on the freeway at least 10 times a day and most of those people are white. but you don't see me spouting off about it. she doesn't need to go to any training. she needs to be expelled. if UCLA doesn't do that, they are as bad as she is.

[Mcgibby]

Expel her for speaking her mind? She may have generalized, but that is her opinion...like it or not. Oh, and Jazz, let's be honest, it isn't what is said, but by whom is it said. If she were black, hispanic, asian, etc...no news here.

[really UCLAalum?]

"or in American we wear deodorant" really? you're a graduate from ucla? how about you learn how to write correctly before you go off running your mouth.

[Tom]

What is it about black, latino, asian, and muslim students that makes them think that they can say and do anything without backlash?

Decency is universal. This student broke those rules. She's apologized and will carry that stigma for the rest of her time at UCLA. She'll feel the shame whenever she walks the campus. That's enough. Her actions do not, in any way, warrant the criminal activity (death threats ARE criminal activity) against her.

[jess]

Okay so her behaviour should be questioned but what about the behaviour of the people sending death threats? That's even worse in my opinion!! Take those people to task and expel them!

[Leemary]

I can't stand to hear her "valley accent" and I'm not posting videos about it on youtube. Clearly, she is a bimbo.

[MR.E]

@UCLAalum...In "American?" I hope you are not a real alumni.

[The Truth]

I saw the video, it was simply ill timed honest critique in how she saw asian students. She should not be expelled if anything she should be lectured on sensitivity. There were no racial slurs, there was no hate. The only offensive part of her video was her mocking the language and even that was taken out of context. I think people are being emotional because of the crisis in Japan.

[Nathan]

Sounds like the same things that happen a few years ago when students at another university focused their prejudices on the African American students in their school. What is it about white students that makes them think they can say and do anything without backlash.

Posted by: Jazz | March 15, 2011 at 09:25 AM

=====================================================

Maybe she was so used to all the minorities who think they have a right to be racist cause they are minorities, so she figured since whites are quickly becoming the minority she has the same right.

[Ying Yang]

Jazz... What she said (and how) was immature to say the least. You can say many derogatory things about it, EXCEPT violent. When is it illegal to have an opinion? Where is "freedom of speech" excluding silly race rants in the constitution? Death threats are illegal. Why are people complaining about stupid immature rants, but not violent death threats? Her words were dumb and immature, but nobody has a right to threaten her life for it. They should be investigated. What is someone decided they didn't like what you said that you did not think was bad. Should they have a right to threaten your life? Would you not want to be able to say what you want without repercussions? That's our constitutional guarantee as long as violence is not a part of it. She did not cross the legal line. Death threats do.

[I]

UCLAalum, do you realize how stupid you sound right now? Because I highly doubt EVERY single person in America wears deodorant. And I've seen Americans with no manners whatsoever. What do you mean by "American Culture Orientation"? America's culture is composed of cultures from around the world. It also sounds like you're trying to say that you have to be "Americanized" in order to attend UCLA. Do you think they have Italian orientation when you study abroad? I don't think so buddy. She should attend sensitivity training because she posted a video of her immature racist rant on the internet rather than venting to some friends or keeping it to her self.

[Nathan]

whether people like it or not, her speech is protected by the 1st amendment. Don't like it, move to a communist regime that tells you what you can say.

[Angry Bruins]

As an Asian American, UCLA alumnus, this story is blown out of proportion. It is just one girl, yes, she's still a girl despite her age as demonstrated by her rant; she's just venting about being disturbed while studying in the library. Yes, she used poor choice of words, but I respect someone who is honest about their feelings and views than someone crafty about not portraying their true feelings. For those of you calling for her expulsion, then you do not know and understand how much UCLA has to offer in terms of healing Ms. Wallace's psyche and educating her on the value of diversity and cultural sensitivity.

This is a great opportunity to discuss racism, discrimination, reverse discrimination, bigotry, Western customs, etc . But the dialogue has to be civil. Do not pass up this great moment to have open dialogue. Do not make any knee jerk decision.

[loud haler]

@Mcgibby

No news here? You must be blind to make that kind of statement. I have to tell you, white people, no matter how hard they try, will never ever understand what it feels like to be a minority in this country. I was born and raised here, but I have endured racism since I was little. When minorities look at white people, I can tell you this - all they see are people who are "white." But minorities of all colors have a million stereotypes pinned to them. That's life I guess, but no one has the right to call them out in such a hateful way.

Let me ask you: Do you condone what she did?

And one last thing, if people are upset at what she said and did - it has nothing to do with the fact that she is white. The only colors I see in this are 'right' and 'wrong.'

And she is WRONG.

[Gordon]

Isn't the fact that she's receiving death threats proof that what she said in her video, was correct?

[Imran Khan]

Is this a joke? It was hardly outrageous - the media has blown this completely out of proportion, it was basically a non-person (a blond) who made some not very well thought out comments. Stop trying to ruin this persons life and have her thrown out of university over media hype and political correctness.

[FedUp]

While it may moronic of her to post the video it is protected under the first amendment. As far as I know it has not yet been repealed....

[Lou Bricano]

Once again, we see the PC left attempting to criminalize thought. Now, THAT'S hate speech.

[davidpaul]

so whatever happened to free speach...this woman deserves to say whatever she wishes about other people...take it for what its worth? everyone is quick to bash her but has anyone gone and asked others about what she said...is there truth here? you say racist...i say truth HURTS!!! so live with it..bring your family and have a ho-down at the dorms...cook up some dimsum and share...we all love to see your aunts and uncles at our dorm...can the political correctness...DISCOVER THE TRUTH!!!

[Joanne]

What is it with people these days? Every little perceived offense brings out crazies with their death threats.
Just for the record, I am an Asian-American. Yes, the video was offensive, but it is one person's opinion. She has a right to her opinion. I think she did more harm to herself (future job prospects) than to others. By no means does she deserve to get death threats.

[The Owl]

The student obviously stereotyped all Asians when she made the video but does have some valid concerns. The means by which she expressed them was wrong and should be addressed.

The fact remains that there is a concern over certain populations not assimilating to American culture. Is it a bad thing? Not really. Is it something that should be talked about? Absolutely. I have Asian-American friends that have said her comments are, for the most part, true despite being poorly worded and in the wrong forum.

I don't think it was hate speech, just inexcusable ignorance. There is a difference that many of you fail to recognize. Had it been hate speech, she wouldn't have mentioned having Asian friends in a video that she probably didn't think would go as viral as it has.

The greatest part about being a US citizen is your right to freedom of expression. I do not believe that a public institution should be able to curb this in any way shape or form unless it was done by somebody representing the school in an official capacity. There are numerous free-speech cases handed down by the Supreme Court, not to mention Snyder v. Phelps which held that even the most hateful of speech is protected under the Constitution so long as it does not seek to incite immediate violence/unrest.

[Jack]

Doesn't the First Amendment protect freedom of speech in the US? I don't agree with everything I read in the news or hear on TV and radio every day, but I don't go threatening to kill the author. Some people on this planet have serious mental problems!

[JC]

Ugh, I'm an Asian, and I certainly don't agree with what she said, but this is getting out of hand. She made a mistake, let's just move on?