Background
On June 10, 1971 Chancellor Daniel Aldrich held a conference with African American students and the Black Students' Union
(BSU) at UCI to discuss their concerns, particularly regarding the Equal Opportunities Program and affirmative action measures.
BSU issued a follow-up statement to the chancellor with recommendations for action, which included recruitment of African
American faculty and staff; addition of African American vice chancellor, dean of students, and admissions officer; development
of a Black Studies program; improved financial aid policy for African American students; and creation of a Black Council on
campus. Following this, BSU called for the formation of an interim Black Council made up of students, staff, and faculty.
BSU also mailed copies of their reports and minutes to California educators and administrators and to local newspapers and
African American magazines to alert others to the efforts of the African American population at UCI.