The Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity (LUL) hosted their annual, award winning ‘How Brown Can You Be’ event on Oct. 22 in Lienhard Lecture Hall. The event discussed racial inequality, especially involving law enforcement, and how students can stop unnecessary violence between citizens and police.

Attendants were forced to sit by skin tone and offered food only by racial profile. An interactive presentation was led by LUL Vice President Jonathan Calixto as attendees were asked if they were ever racially profiled.

Police brutality was discussed, specifically referencing the death of former Pace football player DJ Henry. Although most current students did not attend Pace while Henry was a student, the topic was considered by many as difficult to discuss.

“It was interesting to hear the opinions of others,” criminal justice major Tiffany Ocampo said. “Some people agreed to disliking cops because of their history and [portrayal in the media]. I also appreciated the people who took the time to understand that [police enforcement is] a job, a dangerous job, and they deal with people who are dangerous.”

Discussion continued with attendants expressing their opinions on the requirements to become a cop, and the stigma attached to those within the field. Students at the event shared different perspectives.

Ocampo, for example, has a step-father who was a police officer in the Bronx, NY. She recalled an incedent when her stepdad and another officer chased down a man with a gun.

“You could take things one way or the other, but what we have to consider is that we are people, and we should show each other respect,” Ocampo said. “There are cops that act in ways they shouldn’t be proud of, but, then again, all people act in ways that they shouldn’t be proud of either. It goes both ways.”

The event closed with the message that neither cops nor citizens can receive respect without first giving it. While both parties have committed offenses, in order for change to occur, everyone must be seen independent of prior stereotypes.

“I thought this event was really cool…it was really insightful about what is going on in society,” attendant Emma Weis said. “I thought it was cool for people to say how everyone can be part of a solution.”