9
12.02.15
activists on campus FACULTY PERSPECTIVES
A call for evidence Frank Lechner | Sociology Professor
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tudent protests around the country and here at Emory revolve around claims that institutions of higher education engage in discrimination, especially against black Americans. In Emory’s case, there is currently a lack of some important evidence needed to assess those claims. Before the administration responds to protester demands, it should collect and produce that evidence. At the undergraduate level, we lack evidence in at least two key areas that might involve discrimination, namely admissions and financial aid. I call on the Office of Admission and the Office of Financial Aid to collect and produce all relevant data that would enable us to compare the experience of black applicants with other applicants. The work of Princeton University sociologist Thomas Espenshade — who found that, at selective institutions, Asian applicants typically need to meet higher standards than blacks and whites — suggests the hypothesis that Emory data will show no disadvantage to black students. In their recent list of demands, black students claim that, “not all Black students are adequately prepared for the rigor of Emory University” and that they are at a disadvantage due to “ill preparation.” Since I have taught many talented black students who were well prepared for their studies here, I do not accept the point at face value. However, it fits UCLA law professor Richard Sander’s disputed “mismatch” hypothesis, which holds that the admission policies of selective institutions cause minority students there to be relatively less skilled than their peers. To test the hypothesis that such a mismatch exists at Emory, I call on Emory College to collect and produce all relevant data
that will enable us to compare the performance and well-being of black students and other subgroups. Protesters here and elsewhere have also called for new diversity requirements. As a contributor to the Voluntary Core Curriculum, I have reservations about any involuntary core courses on diversity. But in order to proceed on the basis of evidence, I propose that any such new mandate be implemented in experimental fashion, first applying a new requirement only to a randomly selected treatment group of students and then comparing outcomes with those of a control group. My hypothesis would be that, whatever form a diversity mandate may take, the comparison will not show any academically significant gains in the treatment group but may show adverse reactions similar to those provoked by administratively driven requirements. Finally, protesters have called for higher compensation for minority faculty. Since conditions in the current academic market, with many institutions pursuing “opportunity hires” and “diversity initiatives,” appear to favor minority scholars, I would expect empirical analysis to show no under-compensation for them at Emory. I call on the University administration to collect and produce all relevant data, taking into account academic control variables, to test that hypothesis. In response to recent protests, some other institutions appear to proceed without much evidence regarding the issues at hand. At Emory, we can do better. It would be unfortunate if at an institution “where courageous inquiry leads,” with a College focused on “the nature of evidence,” we fail to consider the best evidence we can gather in addressing these concerns.
Letter from Black professionals
We, the Black Professionals of Emory University, In solidarity with Black students at Emory University, convened on November 19, 2015, to examine the consistent multidimensional inequalities Black students experience on campus and in society. As a collective, we value coalition building in movements and understand the exhaustive nature of forms of progress needed to dismantle the cycle of oppression for the Black community. We want you all to know that we see you; we hear you; we feel you. Beyond that, we seek to co-construct a plan of action to resolve structural and institutional flaws at Emory University. We, too, wear the mask. We have silenced our voices in moments where we could have cried out. We have adjusted our language and tone in an effort to be heard. We have stood idle when you needed our support out of fear of potential repercussions. We admire and are inspired by your courage, strength and boldness to evoke a much needed change. As employees of a university that strives for excellence, we must not be content with acceptance and tolerance. Understanding the importance of action-oriented care, we are committed to supporting you, organizing with you and fearlessly advocating for you. Yours in community, Courtney Jones-Stevens, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership; Courtnay Oddman, Residence Life; Des’mon Taylor, Residence Life; Arthur E. Doctor Jr., Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life; Natasha Hopkins, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership; Troizel Carr, Residence Life, Office of Health Promotion, Center for Diversity and Inclusion; Adrienne Slaughter, Office of Student Success Programs and Service; Pamela Epps, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services; Paula Scotman, Finance Service Center; Andrea Grant, Office of Multicultural Programs and Services; Bevin S. Carpenter, Center for Community Engagement & Leadership; Janelle Lopp, Residence Life; James Roland, Barkley Forum Center for Debate Education; Edith Simms, The Career Center; Brenda Robinson, Housing Operations; Rhonda Thompson, Center for Community Engagement & Leadership; Mildred Davis-Echols, The Career Center; Tricia Worrell, Campus Life Finance Service Center; Lillian Coleman, Emory Dining; Latoya Anderson-Reeves, School of Law; Felecia Hines-Carpenter, ECAS- Business Operations; Kalesha Hicks, The Career Center; Malcolm Robinson, The Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership; Raphael Coleman, Office of Health Promotion; Wanda Swan, Office of Health Promotion, The Respect Program; Mahlet Endale, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services; Carlton Mackey , Center for Ethics; Kayla Hamilton , Residence Life; Ed Lee, Barkley Forum Center for Debate Education; Marlon Gibson, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life; Carla Sanders, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership; Asti Magby, Campus Life Finance Service Center; Thandi Chase, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services; Nichelle Frye, Office of Student Conduct, Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life; Kayla Tyson-Young, Dobbs University Center; Phillis Bryant, Campus Life Finance Center; Patricia Taylor, Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, Center for Community and Diversity; John Baker Brown Jr., Emory Campus Life Communications; Arie Smith, Conference Services; Chanel Tanner, Center for Women at Emory; Barbara S. Coble, PhD, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership; Leisa Stafford, Office of Student Support Services and Programs; Asti Magby, Campus Life Financial Service Center; Brian Cornelius II, Dobbs University Center/ Meeting Services; La Shanda Perryman, ECAS-Department of African Studies; Barbara Johnson, Counseling and Psychological Services; Erna Wikerson, Campus Life Finance Center