Posted on 06/08/2004 8:55:41 AM PDT by Modernman
Allegations of cultural insensitivity and incompetence within the University College of Education have led the school's student and faculty diversity committee to recently declare a "multicultural crisis."
Graduate student Jim Lyda, coordinator of the college's Ethnic Diversity Affairs Committee, said students of color in the college have experienced cultural insensitivity from some faculty members. He said local schools also have raised concerns that the college produces teachers who lack multicultural skills.
"That's kind of what we term a crisis," Lyda said.
The committee, which advocates for students of color in the college, proposed a list of recommendations to the deans in March, including: The creation of a 5-year plan to address the issues; standardized and enforced procedures for handling complaints; and diversity training for staff and faculty.
Education Associate Dean for Academic Programs Linda Forrest said EDAC's recommendations have created "powerful dialogue" throughout the college.
The College of Education -- which is ranked eighth out of the nation's education graduate schools, according to a 2005 U.S. News and World Report survey -- has many diversity initiatives in place, she said. The school was recently awarded an Interdisciplinary Reading Group Award from the University Center on Diversity and Community, which will allow a group of the college's faculty members to study methods for developing culturally responsive practices.
Shadiin Garcia, student support-services coordinator for the Sapsik'walá (Teacher) Education Program, said problems have existed in the college for years. But an incident during the February Career Beginnings conference, during which students learn tips for future interviews, "brought it to the forefront," she said.
At the conference, students in the college learned the importance of firm handshakes and direct eye contact when meeting with potential employers. When a student of color raised concerns that her culture does not encourage such interactions, a comment by Springfield school district's Director of Human Resources Roger Jordan was perceived to be culturally insensitive.
Jordan said he had explained what he calls "the blemish effect," which is something that might distract a potential employer during the interviewing process, such as cultural differences. He said the meaning was misconstrued and that he did not intend to propose that the student's culture was a "blemish."
"My comments there caused quite a flap at the University," he said. "And that bothers me tremendously."
Since then, Jordan said he has tried to improve his understanding of what it means to be culturally sensitive.
But Garcia said Jordan's comment was offensive. She said that more importantly, faculty members did not have the skills to address the incident at the time or effectively talk to students about it later.
"The professors were ill-equipped to deal with it," she said.
Garcia and Lyda said they did not feel comfortable listing other instances of cultural insensitivity for fear of retaliation against the students involved.
"Because of the numbers (of students of color) and the nature of some of the incidents, it's difficult," Lyda said. "You always have to worry about grades or being ostracized."
Forrest said she's aware that fear might exist, but she added that students have many outlets to raise complaints including the Bias Response Team and with herself.
"What we're trying to communicate to them is it's OK to complain," she said.
In April, representatives from local organizations and schools attended a meeting on campus to address the problems within the college, Lyda said.
"The community kind of joined in to put some pressure on the College of Education to make some changes," he said.
Committee members have also raised concerns that the College of Education is producing future teachers who lack multicultural skills needed for working in increasingly diverse local school districts.
Forrest said Jefferson Middle School has been reluctant to allow graduates or students of the University's College of Education to practice teaching at the school.
"I would say it has to do with wanting greater confidence in the cultural competency," she said. "I think we're working to change that."
Eugene 4-J School District's Human Resources Director Wally Bryant said the school's reluctance to bring in student teachers from the college was a protest against the college's multicultural shortcomings. He added that he feels the quality of job applicants is improving, however, which is important because Eugene's demographics are changing.
"Cultural competency is one of the things we're looking for in candidates," he said. While he is satisfied with the students coming from the college, Bryant said anything the University can do to improve those skills is appreciated.
Forrest said it is important for faculty members within the college to learn to be more supportive and respectful of cultural differences.
"We need to model that for students in our classrooms who are going to be teaching in public schools," she said.
Jordan said he had explained what he calls "the blemish effect," which is something that might distract a potential employer during the interviewing process, such as cultural differences. He said the meaning was misconstrued and that he did not intend to propose that the student's culture was a "blemish."
This has GOT to be a Monty Python skit...
This young lady needs to decide whether she wants to remain in the ghetto culture or escape.
Simple as that.
I imagine the "offended" student wanders through life looking for offense wherever she thinks she can find it. I actually feel pity for her, more than anything else. Her whole life revolves around her status as a member of a victim group. She will never be truly happy in life because she will always be bothered by how big bad racist American society is oppressing her.
Yup. Whatever your "culture" encourages, there are certain things you have to do in a job interview, like it or not. If that's too onerous for you, well, don't expect to get a job.
In some cultures it's not GOOD to look the interviewer in the eye and give a firm handshake?
IF you want to get a job in THIS culture, learn it. (Some us have learned it OUTSIDE of school!)
IF you DON'T want a job in THIS culture, ARGUE about it.
It is what it is, you fools. Just be thankful that this school will take the time to bring you up to speed with those who have already learned it.
GEEZE! If the school left out this tidbit, the jerks would bitch about not knowing "the secret handshake"!
exactly!!!!!
In some small towns, there are still "ism's" that are particular to the community. A good teacher lets the students know that they may sound like outsiders if they use these ism's in college or business settings in more mainstream communities. It's not that the language is bad--it's just a red flag that the student is not as "educated" in the larger community.
"At the conference, students in the college learned the importance of firm handshakes and direct eye contact when meeting with potential employers..."
Yup. So..do you want the job or not?
Well I can claim that in my culture there is a tradiiton to show up at job interviews naked and drunk and further the process by farting each time the interviewer asks a question. I guess that means I'm qualified to be a diversity officer.
If she wants a job in "this culture," she can bloody well learn her manners. Otherwise, she's free to find a job in "some other culture" she finds more conducive.
I don't do that on job interviews. I only do that on the job, then claim protection under the ADA.
Well, you damned sure should get the job! It's your RIGHT as a person-of-diversity!!!!
:) good one!
When she gets out into the real world, she'll find that "it's my culture" will keep her from getting a job. Good thing, too. Who really wants this multiculti dingbat teaching their kids?
A Washington Post article today is titled, "A Blending Of Patriotism, Native Pride - In Diverse Fairfax School, Civics Starts in 1st Grade"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23432-2004Jun7.html
A couple excerpts:
... Education and political analysts say such teachings have become more common nationwide, although they are divided on how -- and whether -- anyone should be taught to be patriotic. ... Schools have historically played a role in assimilating immigrants and fostering civic pride, but some observers contend that the intensity of the renewed effort is jingoistic. "Loving your country is not something you indoctrinate," said Jane Junn, a Rutgers University political scientist who has done research on civic education and immigrants. "It's something a person has to come to themselves."
... Some schools, including Anthony Hyde Elementary School in Georgetown, say they have tried to steer clear of injecting patriotism into civics lessons. "At Hyde, civics instruction is more about personal responsibility," Principal Anne Jenkins said. "Informed, thoughtful choices are the essence of democracy." ...
"Excellent point! If your culture discourages eye contact or firm handshakes, by all means avoid them. You must respect your own culture and avoid all things that make you uncomfortable. I am quite sure that all Interviewers will respect your culture on this matter.
Of course, we must be sensitive to all culture. We must keep in mind that the Interviewer also has their own culture. They may feel uncomfortable hiring someone who won't make eye contact or provide a firm handshake. And that's OK. It's part of their culture.
Above all, make the choice that's best for you."
Absolutely - there just HAS to be something, anything, that's keeping those that doesn't know how to function in society "oppressed".
BTW, consider the source - OREGON. I sincerely hope my son decides to go to college out of state, he'll be miserable in the liberal cesspools here.
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