UCLA receives record $10-million gift to bolster ethnic studies

EdSource

Mallika Seshadri

February 5, 2024

A  $10-million gift will help UCLA affirm its commitment to ethnic studies by funding research projects programming as well as creating endowed chairs for Asian American, African American, Chicano and American Indian studies — all as a part of the university’s Institute of American Cultures, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Morgan Chu, who provided the gift alongside Helen Chu, said ethnic studies is like a “rainbow with contrasting colors and different points of view” that help connect people across cultures.

“It’s just a way to teach everyone about the richness of the history and background of all cultures,” Chu told the Los Angeles Times. He also emphasized that the gift was not a response to current politics.

The institute has never received a gift of this size.

“UCLA has long been at the forefront of the examination of the histories, cultures, contributions and experiences of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said in a statement the Los Angeles Times reported. “The Chus’ investment will allow us to deepen the impact of this essential work.”

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