Latinos in crisis

Excellence. Access. Diversity. Community. This alluring promise that is NEIU finds today's administrators scurrying to carry its proud banner as the Midwest's Most Diverse University. As the higher-ups cling to this cherished title, few of us actually manage to walk away with a college diploma in our hands.

Admittedly, hearing giddy university officials talk about our so-called "diversity" can be amusing at times, but it quickly gives way to very real fears that NEIU is failing, in many ways, its working-class students of color.

It took the involvement of State Senator Miguel del Valle for the administration to even be willing to hold a public inquiry about its poor graduation rates. This demonstrates unwillingness, at best, or indifference, at worst, on the part of NEIU administrators to address the needs and concerns of NEIU students.

The fundamental questions of why more Latinos aren't graduating and how to increase those numbers remain unanswered. The heart of the public inquiry is the testimonies offered by graduates from Chicago Public Schools.

Showing her true commitment and deep dedication to the welfare of NEIU students, it's only fitting that university President Salme Steinberg chose this moment to simply get up and leave the public inquiry.

The message being sent, however indirect it may be, is clear enough: Steinberg couldn't care less about our stories of survival in a schooling system set up for us to fail.

As put forth in her state of the university speech on Sept.14, many would certainly agree that we must use our talents and stone will for what we think is best. Naturally, it follows that Steinberg offers her leadership and unconditional support to improve Latino graduation rates.

To facilitate collaboration between school officials, faculty and students, a university-wide meeting must take place. Also, the hiring of Latino faculty and an increase in tenured ones is crucial. A timetable, along with the actual implementation of resolutions, is of great importance.

This is a difficult and complex issue to tackle, but it is also a very clear one. Northeastern Illinois University must live up to its designation as a Hispanic-serving institution by actively seeking to remedy the problem of Latino graduation rates.

As Steinberg explained in her state of the university address, this is a collective journey, the next chapter. It is hoped that, with her cooperation, the morale at NEIU can improve.