Letter to the Editor: Multiculturalism Questions Have Already Asked and Answered

To The Editor: Please note that I write this letter in my capacity as an alumna of the College, not in my official capacity as Assistant Dean for Student Services and Director of Multicultural Development. I read in utter disgust the "Faculty Views" opinion piece in the November 2, 1999, edition of The Tripod. I find it amazing that years after being addressed through personal meetings and other for a the author of that piece raises the same issues. But then, my mother always told me that there would forever be people who will never be satisfied with anything. Most of the issues mentioned in that faculty opinion piece have been "ASKED AND ANSWERED", if not directly by President Dobelle then certainly by other members of his administrative staff. The diversity related challenges that confront the College have their roots in times that predate President Dobelle's appointment. Throughout his four-year tenure, President Dobelle has made great strides and accomplishments in addressing these areas of concern. In a short time period, our President been has able to accomplish things that no other Trinity president has been able to or perhaps even tried to do. For example, under President Dobelle's guidance, Trinity has established an Office of Multicultural Affairs and appointed its first Dean of Multicultural Affairs. The list of other achievements, as well as commitments and plans, under the Dobelle administration is impressive and provides testimony that directly contravenes the assertions, allegations, and innuendoes in the faculty opinion piece I and perhaps others found offensive. Now, I pose a question (or three) to those who are constantly complaining. Where were you when the planning process was going on? Where were you at the numerous student functions I attended? Where were you when the call for faculty support went out? I repeatedly see the same handful of truly concerned faculty members and administrators at these functions and committee meetings. While it is always easier to sit back and then criticize, I would urge you instead to be PROACTIVE! I truly hope that President Dobelle does not respond to this misguided and mean spirited opinion piece. Our President's energy and time would be better directed to addressing the needs of the College instead of directing it to individuals who will say anything to gain additional attention. I applaud and thank you for your efforts President Dobelle. Sincerely, Kimberly E. Jones '91

Letter to the Editor: Multiculturalism Questions Have Already Asked and Answered

To The Editor:

Please note that I write this letter in my capacity as an alumna of the College, not in my official capacity as Assistant Dean for Student Services and Director of Multicultural Development.

I read in utter disgust the "Faculty Views" opinion piece in the November 2, 1999, edition of The Tripod. I find it amazing that years after being addressed through personal meetings and other for a the author of that piece raises the same issues. But then, my mother always told me that there would forever be people who will never be satisfied with anything.

Most of the issues mentioned in that faculty opinion piece have been "ASKED AND ANSWERED", if not directly by President Dobelle then certainly by other members of his administrative staff. The diversity related challenges that confront the College have their roots in times that predate President Dobelle's appointment. Throughout his four-year tenure, President Dobelle has made great strides and accomplishments in addressing these areas of concern. In a short time period, our President been has able to accomplish things that no other Trinity president has been able to or perhaps even tried to do. For example, under President Dobelle's guidance, Trinity has established an Office of Multicultural Affairs and appointed its first Dean of Multicultural Affairs. The list of other achievements, as well as commitments and plans, under the Dobelle administration is impressive and provides testimony that directly contravenes the assertions, allegations, and innuendoes in the faculty opinion piece I and perhaps others found offensive.

Now, I pose a question (or three) to those who are constantly complaining. Where were you when the planning process was going on? Where were you at the numerous student functions I attended? Where were you when the call for faculty support went out? I repeatedly see the same handful of truly concerned faculty members and administrators at these functions and committee meetings. While it is always easier to sit back and then criticize, I would urge you instead to be PROACTIVE!

I truly hope that President Dobelle does not respond to this misguided and mean spirited opinion piece.

Our President's energy and time would be better directed to addressing the needs of the College instead of directing it to individuals who will say anything to gain additional attention. I applaud and thank you for your efforts President Dobelle.

Sincerely,

Kimberly E. Jones '91