University of California Regent Ward Connerly recently proposed that the Board of Regents investigate ethnic studies courses for possible political bias, lack of substance, and "feel good" celebrationism. However, he made no proposal for investigation of possible political bias, lack of substance, and "feel good" celebrationism in courses studying Euro-American society and culture.

Connerly expressed concern that ethnic studies courses might be "frivolous ... putting [students of color] in touch with [their] heritage." But he did not question the utility of White students taking courses in which they get in touch with their White heritages.

Connerly voiced dismay over an alleged observation that the students in the African American and Chicano studies classes he had visited were "all Black and Brown." He expressed no dismay, however, over the possible existence of European studies classes that were predominantly White.

On June 20, I attended two graduation ceremonies. In the morning, I attended commencement for one half of the graduating seniors of the UC-Davis College of Letters and Science. It was a predominantly White and Asian affair, steeped in Euro-American culture, with music performed by the UC-Davis symphonic orchestra and songs sung -- very well, I might add -- in operatic style.

In the evening, I attended a supplementary celebration of the African American community. The predominantly Black affair was steeped in African American culture, with several songs sung -- very well, I might add -- by the UC-Davis gospel choir in a style particular to African Americans. There were also student dance performances, poetry readings, and speeches.

I was pleased with, and proud of, both celebrations. Although both were racially integrated, both were also racially unbalanced, culturally mono-ethnic affairs. However, Connerly believes that traditional European-centered commencement ceremony is "unifying" and the supplementary ceremonies for peoples of color is "divisive."