Four Front, Deaton discuss cultural issues at forum

Students asked the chancellor about diversity initiatives.

By Jewels Phraner

Published Nov. 9, 2007

University officials said lengthy, formal processes are obstacles blocking Four Front from accomplishing some of its goals.

Representatives from minority organizations attended a Four Front meeting Wednesday to voice concerns about hate crimes, minority comfort levels and promoting cultural awareness at MU with Chancellor Brady Deaton, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs and interim Chief Diversity Officer Roger Worthington.

Students were able to hold administrators accountable and find out exactly where the chancellor stands on diversity.

"It's always nice to listen to the chancellor and let students get a

feel for what he thought and his position on diversity," Four Front Co-chairwoman Bria Scudder said.

Asian American Association President Alex Tsao said one of the association's goals to either create a new department for Asian languages in the College of Arts and Science or to change the name of the department from the Department of German and Russian Studies to include Asian studies in its name.

Deaton said he was "sensitive" to AAA's goal, but there was "no easy solution."

Worthington said there was a long, formal process to changing a department's name, but he had contacted the department chairperson regarding the issue.

The idea of having a mandatory diversity course for all incoming freshmen was another issue brought to Deaton.

Deaton said he has been speaking with Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain about the proposal.

"It's a several-step process, but I encourage the dialogue," Deaton said. "Let's see where we're at with this."

Four Front Co-chairman Charlie Calvin said Four Front will continue taking steps to continue accommodating the organizations it represents, but he doesn't expect any specific any action with the chancellor.

Former Legion of Black Collegians President Jabari Turner brought a new issue to the attention of the chancellor after the death of black studies Director Julius Thompson.

"A prominent figure in Mizzou has left us," Turner said. "How come nothing was sent out? What kind of message does that send to his colleagues, his friends and his students? And what can you do to fix that in the next hour?"

Deaton said it isn't routine for an e-mail to be sent to the entire student body when a member of the faculty dies.

"I think it's very appropriate that we do that," Deaton said. "We will address that."

At time of press, nothing had been sent to students about Thompson's death.