With dark gray clouds shading the Mall more than 100 people gathered to challenge racism and discrimination. The rally, yesterday afternoon, was organized by Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA.)

"I am a Chicano lesbian, and I am proud," said Julia Schiavone Camacho, history and women's studies junior. "We need to speak out to fight homophobia and sexism as well as racism. I am here to encourage the end of homophobia, women-hating, racism and violence."

Members from various groups, including the Student Environmental Action Coalition and students from Tucson High School, attended the rally.

Patrick McKenna, a THS sophomore and MEChA member, said, "A lot of people think racism is a thing of the past. It's shifted from being up front to being silenced. People are afraid of calling someone a racial slur; it's done more now in actions, not in words."

Several members of Kappa Sigma also attended the rally. Last week MEChA held four candlelight vigils in front of the Kappa Sigma fraternity house to protest one member's alleged racial slur.

"I think it's positive that they want to stop racism," Nhon Nguyen, Kappa Sigma member and architectural history junior said. "I don't agree with everything they said, but the benefits outweigh the downside. It's great to not forget about all the social injustices, but it's more important to start fresh."

Melissa Vito, dean of students, thanked the Kappa Sigma members for showing their support, despite the accusations against the fraternity. "Sometimes we feel so polarized from everyone, we rarely try to come together. Kappa Sigma demonstrates the attitude of coming together to combat this problem," she said.

Emphasizing the variety of cultures on campus, the rally on the Mall opened with a group performing Irish folk music.

Benjamin Lopez, a Pima Community College political science student who plans to transfer here next semester, performed rap music in Spanish. "We've got to unite," he said, translating his rap from Spanish to English.

"Racism is not the only thing that goes on in the community. There is also the discrimination of people with disabilities," said Brian McCracken, families studies freshman.

McCracken, director of the Association of Students with Disabilities, said he believes the UA has gotten better at accommodating people with disabilities.

"Being disabled is the only thing that can hit you at any time. There is so much discrimination of people with disabilities because people think they can't do anything," he said. "I may look disabled, but mentally, there's nothing wrong with me."