Minority Students
Rather than assuming a defensive posture about UC Irvine’s actions regarding minority issues, (April 11), a realistic discussion of the demands of UCI’s minority students would be more productive.
Demanding the establishment of an African American studies department, though an intriguing idea, would require a substantial enrollment of students for the program to succeed. Similar programs have failed because of insufficient enrollment. Traditionally, adequate enrollment in African American studies occurs in racially mixed areas.
The demand for the increased recruitment of minority faculty coincides with UCI’s recruitment goals. Because a great demand exists for qualified minority faculty, all UC campuses compete in hiring minority faculty. Many employment opportunities exist for minority faculty, contributing to the inability of UC campuses to hire full-time minority staff.
Regarding the recruitment of minority students, UCI has more minority student openings than applicants. The surplus of openings results partly from UCI’s location in a predominantly white area, a condition that won’t soon change.
The points presented here, if discussed with student protesters, would likely ease tension and encourage communication towards a mutually acceptable outcome.
LEE HARTLEY
Costa Mesa
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