Letter to the Editor: Outrage over Mexican American Studies hire, student says

To Southwestern College, and Governing Board Members,

We, the students of Southwestern College are disheartened by the events that have transpired recently over what was intended to be the first Mexican American Studies full-time faculty position in the history of Southwestern College. What was a long awaited victory for our community, and what was meant to be a victorious celebration to witness a member from our very own community pave the way for a long overdue Mexican American Studies department, did not happen. Unfortunately, this opportunity was sabotaged and stolen by those in higher power, ironically strikingly similar to what American history textbooks teach us.

The results of aforementioned hiring process has undoubtedly outraged the student body. In fact, the results of the hiring tell us that there was a lack of attention and thought put into how students would be affected by the recent decision made by the hiring committee while electing the new Mexican American Studies professor. Furthermore, there is a community of students that extend far beyond the Mexican American Studies (MAS) Scholars; for example, Puente, BSU, BAYAN, MEChA, and UMOJA/TELA. Such programs have been working in unity – sacrificing on campus as well as within the community for the last several years, to build the Mexican American Studies program as the model program of Ethnic Studies at Southwestern College as well as in the South Bay; where ethnic representation in education has not existed.

The fact that the Mexican American studies position barely opened up after the program’s thirty year existence, while also being under the category of a Hispanic Serving Institution is not only disappointing, but disregards any respect for our culture. We the students feel misrepresented by the selection process, particularly considering that in Fall 2017 the continuing Latino student total stood at 68% (CCCCO Data Mart, Enrollment Status Summary). With such a large LatinX student population, it’s difficult to understand why we have come last or not been seen as important. The presence of Mexican American Studies has been historically oppressed despite the fact that we are; one, so close to the US-Mexican border; two, have transborder students; and, three, are illustrated in these points alone make us feel disrespected, and discouraged. We are more than just enrollment numbers and statistics.

The profile of SWC’s MAS on campus, in high schools, and in our community, is now prevalent more than ever before and viewed with respect because of two specific adjunct faculty members who have cared enough to sacrifice his and her time engaging students, other faculty, and community members. For instance, in relation to our efforts, and networks, we know we have qualified and visible instructors/advisors on campus, as well as throughout the community, who advocate for the importance of student equity, student success, ethnic studies; and most notably Mexican American studies. Any person who attends our events on or off campus knows it is a small community – similar to a family, where visible activists are known; more importantly respected for his/her work. Hence, we were struck by the selection of the new professor, as he is unknown throughout our community, have never been involved or participated in MAS events that have occurred on and off campus; or at the very least made an attempt to introduce himself to the MAS Scholars, or any other person involved in the support network for Mexican American Studies.

For us students, having someone who is actively involved with our MAS community is extremely important but feel that unfortunately this was not prioritized in the hiring process. Seeking a possible positive outcome, we have come across new information that leaves us (the students, and the community) questioning the financial possibility to fund a second MAS position. The recent financial state budgeting grant of $50 million to be distributed amongst all 114 community colleges to specifically hire new full-time faculty on campuses, has been announced. Thus, given the recent events that have transpired along with the outrage from students and surrounding community members, we demand remedy to what damage has been done by college personnel. We ask for true representation of the students and community by filling the position with an academically qualified individual, subject matter expert in the specialized field of oppression of the MAS program, and Mexican American students, if there is anything we have learned in our Mexican American Studies courses, is that we matter, that we are smart, capable, that if we work hard enough we can make positive change, and that we are Proud of who we are. Despite feeling absent from the decision in the MAS hiring process we the Students, Faculty, Classified, and South Bay Community say; enough is enough, we want justice!

Enclosing, we, the undersigned students and community, ask Southwestern College and the Governing board to seriously consider the damage done, and to make this situation right.

Very Respectfully,
Mexican American Studies Scholars, Southwestern College Students, Faculty, and South Bay Community

Joel Ojeda
Mexican American Studies Scholars President