CLS controversy resolution requires cooperation

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Earlier this week, university officials and members of the Chicano/Latino Studies program met in a tense and emotional meeting about the performance of CLS Director Sheila Contreras.

It’s become abundantly clear in recent weeks that both CLS students and the MSU administration increasingly have become distrustful of each other. CLS might be frustrated that its concerns aren’t being taken seriously at the same time as the administration is concerned students are becoming increasingly hostile, unruly and unreceptive to compromise.

The emotional debate reached a boiling point Monday when a meeting between CLS students and MSU Provost Kim Wilcox and other officials abruptly ended after much shouting, accusations and tears.

Although the students have a right to be upset, it’s important to realize the purpose of the meeting was not to discuss whether Contreras would or would not retain her position. Rather, Wilcox clearly stated that the goal of the meeting was to come to some kind of resolution.

CLS students might have cause to complain that the administration is not taking its concerns seriously, but with that meeting being the second time in less than two weeks Wilcox took the time to meet with students, the argument hardly can be made they aren’t at least being listened to.

The main concern of students seems to be the university did not follow the recommendations of the CLS Office Operations and Implementation Advisory Committee, which was formed last spring in response to students’ concerns about Contreras’ performance. The committee recommended Contreras’ immediate removal.

However, that recommendation did not have the majority support of the committee, and university officials are not compelled to follow any of its recommendations. It’s very likely Contreras will stay in her current position, and CLS students should learn to come to terms with that.

What is needed from the university, however, is justification for why Contreras will remain director, despite complaints from students. Students have accused Contreras of attempting to dismantle the Chicano/Latino Fellows Program, verbally abusing students and creating a list of troublemakers.

Whether or not these accusations are grounded in truth, they are serious and the university has a responsibility to investigate them and communicate to students why or why not Contreras is fit for her position.

But if the university has a responsibility to explain itself, students have a responsibility to listen with patience and respect. Although it is commendable that students have persisted as long as they have in fighting for what they believe in, a resolution will not come from more shouting matches.

Students can continue to criticize, but any further accusations should be well-grounded in facts and evidence. We’re not saying the CLS students should give up, but they should be realistic about the possibilities for change.

A peaceful resolution only will come when both sides have an authentic desire to participate in dialogue in a trustworthy and respectful manner.

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