| |
MU'S IN THE
NEWS
March 21, 2000 – Forum Stresses Improvements for Cultural Centers
(STORRS, CT) Several concerns about multiculturalism on campus and the
ways in which the cultural centers need to improve were discussed at
a panel meeting consisting of six UConn members and over 20 students
and guests. Mu Sigma Upsilon (multicultural) Sorority sponsored the
event.
Mansfield resident Stephen Squires, 53, brought up the issue that the
university should recruit more diverse people to UConn.
Herbertia Williams, associate dean of students, agreed with Squires.
"The university is not just trying to bait in ethnic minorities,
but trying to retain them," she said. "Each year they have
only hired three or five colored faculty. But if you look closely, they
don't stay. They are out the door."
Angela Rola, director of the Asian American Cultural Center, brought
up the topic that the cultural centers embrace people of all cultures
at all centers. They accept one another, even though they don't always
work directly with one another she said.
However, she said that the AsACC includes 26 different cultures.
"It is a balancing act," she said. "It is a misconception
to look at the cultural center and see homogenization."
Rola felt that one of the biggest problems the cultural centers face
is their lack of communication with one another and the outside, which
is something they seek improvement on.
Rola also said that a reason for minorities to gather together in
groups is because it offers a home to those that would otherwise feel
out of place.
"We have our cultural centers but the white kids have theirs
too; it's the whole rest of the campus," she said. "Everyone
asks why the black kids and the Asian kids and the Latino kids stick
together, but nobody asks why the white kids do this."
Eddie Daniels, director of campus activities, ended the session by
saying that the cultural centers still have a lot to do as far as becoming
more known on campus.
Also at the meeting was Michelle Williams from the department of Psychology,
Willena Price, director of African American Cultural Center, and Danielle
Young, vice president of the sorority's Concordia Chapter.
The Concordia Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, will have an informational
ladies night at the AACC located in the Student Union next Monday at
5pm.
--Rob Burnham, Daily Campus Staff Writer
|
|
