As a student on this campus I want to demand the departmentalization of ethnic studies. No, I am not an ethnic studies major; yes, I do identify as a white student; and no, I do not fit the stereotype of people calling to action this very important message.
The departmentalization of ethnic studies would allow professors of this nationally valued discipline to be tenured in their specialty. The current University system only allows ethnic studies professors to be tenured in another related discipline instead of their own. This is a misrepresentation of their skills and limits their résumé from their true passion. Not only is this a disservice to our current valued professors, but often this blockade pushes professors to find other institutions where they can be supported. As an average student on this campus, I do attend outside lectures and events. Residence halls bring professors to speak to younger students more than twice a month. By limiting professors of this discipline on this campus we are limiting students’ access to the topic of ethnic studies both in and outside of the classroom.
I want to attend a university that values diversification of its disciplines and professors, and lives up to its diversity plan which calls for this clearly identified need. The departmentalization of ethnic studies is not a request for the future; it is a need for the present.
Emma Kallaway
ASUO Programs Administrator