Editor:

In reponse to "ASUA presidential candidate fosters separatism," (letter to the editor, March 28):

Mr. Reardon, I would really like to know why you think you are qualified to conclude that "if MLK were alive today, he would want OMSA to stay closed" or to preach to us so-called "separatist" minority student leaders about what is right for us when you obviously don't have a clue about the experiences of many of us on this campus. In saying that, you have exposed your gross ignorance of what the Office of Minority Student Affairs was, what the protest was about, and why these services are important to all students.

Many of us became involved in the protest because many of the decisions regarding the services offered by the office were made during the summer when few students were around. In short, when we left in May, OMSA existed. When we returned in August, it was "dissolved." Though all the programs and services that existed under it still existed, the information regarding the reorganization was, for a while, clouded and confused. Many administrators admitted the situation was not handled the way it should have been, have realized their mistakes, and have taken positive steps to make sure that such a situation will not be repeated.

In addition, the services offered by the former OMSA and now by the University Learning Center/Minority Student Services are open to all students, regardless of race, who qualify for need-based financial aid. Therefore, Joe WASP with a $2 student loan could use them. In short, students of color should not have been the only ones out there

Students should realize that the changes that helped bring on the dissolving of OMSA as a unit (massive budget cuts largely caused by an apathetic and sometimes hostile legislature and state climate toward higher education) threaten ALL students. Sure, graduation rates for black, Hispanic and Native American students are lower than those of whites, and as a student of color, that is especially a concern to me. However, the graduation rate of white students, which is 50 percent, is nothing to cheer about either (figure is from the Student Research Office, Nov. 12, 1993). I implore you to quit the rhetoric and realize that in many ways the university and the state are not serving ALL students the way they should.

To personally relate why I believe these services are important, I would like to tell my own story. I came to the university with a positive attitude, wanting to learn, get my degree and have fun just like every other student. My confidence and hope were badly bruised by several incidents that year such as witnessing a fellow student molest a black blow-up doll at the 1989 USC game and later seeing hundreds of students swatting this grotesque representation of a black woman around Arizona Stadium. Or comforting friends after they were chased by skinheads near Coronado Hall, and later called racial epithets while walking on campus minding their own businesses. And then facing the constant hostility, both subtle and blatant, from students who, simply because of the color of my skin, felt I did not belong here and must be getting a free ride (when my parents and a few private scholarships were covering my out-of-state tuition!).

The cultural centers and OMSA were places I could go to feel valued, relate with and help other students who were going through the same experiences, and regain the confidence and strength to carry on. During my tenure at this university, I have been involved with a wide variety of organizations including the Arizona Students' Association, ASUA and various honoraries. In several instances, I was the only and/or the first black female member. Though many of those experiences were positive, others made me realize why many of my fellow students of color just don't want to be

Sadly, experiences such as mine are not unusual, as confirmed by my own interactions and a 1989 campus climate survey (adminstered by a committee with representation from the Dean of Students Office, Student Activities, Residence Life, Counseling Testing Services and several other offices). Even most of the white students surveyed felt that the U of A was a "white campus."

In defense of Jason Wong, I am sure the defamatory statements made in the letter will hurt his campaign, especially since many students accept simplistic and uninformed perspectives such as those you expressed. Not all students of color agree with some of Jason's stances, and some have problems with his style. However, I do respect him for having the passion to speak out for what he believes in AND back it up with action. That is a quality more students, especially student leaders, should have.

And Mr. Reardon, since you are such a fan of Martin Luther King Jr., I would like to offer some advice in the spirit of peace. Learn before you judge. Visit the centers. Talk to the deans. Most importantly, talk to students.

Lena Jones

Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Read Next Article