The domineering question of our generation is “why?” We are constantly questioning the structure of power and creating new, innovative ways to make our voices heard. So once again I ask a question. Why not make the ethnic studies program a department? I’ve heard the administration’s reasons for not making ethnic studies a department, but I don’t think they’ve heard mine. Ethnic studies fundamentally addresses one of our generation’s greatest issues: our inability to engage in critical discussion. Ethnic studies is one of the few places that brings a cross-section to our education by encompassing elements from multiple disciplines.
Ethnic studies also teaches us how to critically engage with material. It’s more than just readings but also how students function in terms of their position in society. Coursework in these areas affects more than just those of in the major; it affects every student on campus who chooses to take one of the classes that are sparsely offered in this field. Students should demand more from their education, and we should demand more from our administration. We need to continue to ask that key question of “why?” Why does the administration say they are committed to diversity yet refuse to take a tangible step toward promoting diversity on campus? Why must we settle for inaction when we have power in our voices? Why are we still waiting and not demanding the departmentalization of ethnic studies? Demand something more: an ethnic studies department.
Matthew Rose
Oregon Students of Color Coalition board member