Documents\Fall97\sept29\webpage\agenda.html

An Agenda for Mediated Discussions Between The September 29th Movement and the ISU Administration

Issues for Resolution:

The September 29th Movement is dedicated to the elimination of racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, and classism at Iowa State University, recognizing that changing the name of Catt Hall, a symbol of exclusion, must be the first step in that struggle.

1. Reopen the naming process of Catt Hall. The past two years have been filled with marches, speeches, rallies, and an overall atmosphere of activism regarding the name of Catt Hall. Much of this energy has manifested itself in exhaustive research done by faculty, staff, and students. This research shows that Catt did not utter one regrettable phrase but acted continually in a fashion which promoted the hatred of non-majority groups on the basis of ethnicity and geographic origin. As a consequence, we request the following:

That the naming process of Catt Hall be reopened.
That a new committee be formed to decide on the name of the building formerly known as Old Botany.
That this committee will be a special body formed in response to the distinct circumstances surrounding the naming of Catt Hall. This committee will replace the regular process for the naming of streets and buildings and will have full authority to decide the name of the building formerly known as Old Botany.
That this committee will be composed of 8 members to be chosen by the ISU administration and 8 members to be chosen by The September 29th Movement. The committee will select a 17th member who will act as chairperson but who will remain impartial to the business of the committee. The chairperson shall be empowered to vote if and only if there is a tie.
That this committee be formed within two weeks of resolution of this proposal (Item #1 of this agenda.)
That this committee will hold public forums during its decision-making process.
That this committee will otherwise hold private sessions for other business.
That this committee will conduct or supervise the research of potential alternative names for the building formerly known as Old Botany.
That this committee's final decision will be made by a simple majority.
That this committee's decision should be made within the 97/98 academic year.
That the decision of this committee will be binding on all parties. The September 29th Movement will recognize that this new naming process was fair. President Jischke will approve the decision of the committee and will forward this decision to the Board of Regents within one month of the committee's decision.

The items which follow are essential to mediation, but are presented here in general form. Specific proposals with numerical figures will be proposed before discussion of these issues.

2. A large increase in funding to all cultural studies programs targeted at increasing tenured faculty and program curriculum. For quite some time, Iowa State's cultural studies programs have been funded in poor fashion. For example, Native American Studies has been very poorly funded since its inception. If our commitment to becoming the best land grant institution in the nation is serious, we must strengthen and nurture all of our academic disciplines regardless of the fact that this is an institution originally founded in science and technology. The study of other cultures is crucial to the development of science and technology. Throughout history there have been many scientific and technological advances made by other cultures that have directly effected the science and technology which we build on today. Thus, not only will increased funding to cultural studies programs enhance the ability of graduates of ISU to understand others and communicate in an ever-growing global community, but it will also build upon the outstanding technological and scientific reputation of this institution. This commitment of funding should be made available for the Fall 1998 Semester.

3. The creation of an Asian/Asian-American Studies Program. Asian/Asian-American students constitute the second most populous minority at Iowa State. Justification for the creation of such a program is the same as is provided in Item #2.

4. Increased support for LGBT students, faculty, and staff. The needs of LGBT students far exceed the time and resources that are available under the current system. As a consequence, we request the following*:

That the staff position in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services (LGBTSS) be promoted to full-time director.
That the office space for LGBTSS be enlarged. This larger space should house the Director of LGBTSS, the merit staff member, and the graduate assistants. Space within the expanded LGBTSS office area should be provided for a LGBT student center and the current LGBTSS Library and the space should be conducive to future expansion.
That improved training and orientation of staff and faculty regarding LGBT issues be developed under the auspices of the Center for Teaching Excellence.
That an introduction to LGBT issues and resources be included in new student orientation.
That the recruitment and retention of LGBT faculty be improved. The health insurance provided to unmarried couples costs $110 per month more than that provided to married couples as a direct result of ISU policy. The city of Iowa City offers health insurance to unmarried couples at the same rate as married couples. Thus, there are no state or federal laws that prevent such a policy from being implemented.
That the creation of an LGBT studies program be initiated through the recruitment of faculty who study LGBT issues. The study of LGBT issues should be promoted in the classroom as a part of the diversity requirement.

* Many of these suggestions were proposed by the Task Force on Retention of Undergraduate Special Population Students in its final report of March 24, 1997.

5. A large increase in funding to the Carver Academy aimed at the following:

The recruitment of larger numbers of low income (as defined by the Department of Education), first generation, and minority students.
The employment of additional staff to assist with larger numbers of students.

In a nation in which one of the fastest growing segments of the population are those who speak Spanish as a native language, it is vital that educational institutions dedicate themselves to the recruitment of Spanish speakers. The same is true for the disproportionate number of African American and Native American peoples who live at or below poverty level. By improving the ability of MSA to reach out to these populations, Iowa State will become a leader in efforts to expand educational inclusion whereby a larger number of students who are eligible to participate in the Carver Academy will be provided opportunities for success. Such action will greatly contribute to efforts to diversify our campus. Increased funding should be made available for the Fall 1998 Semester, recognizing that new staff will need to be hired during the summer to accommodate new students.

6. A large increase in all MSA programs whose purpose is the retention of the
populations MSA serves. Once students have been recruited to Iowa State and begin their academic careers here, it is vital that very strong retention programs exist to promote academic excellence and to support the efforts of students toward success. Without these programs, recruitment efforts will not succeed in diversifying our campus and will only create a revolving door of failure. Clearly, if recruitment is to succeed it must be
complemented by very strong retention programs. Increased funding should be available by the Fall 1998 Semester, recognizing that new staff will need to be hired over the summer to accommodate new students.

7. A commitment by Iowa State University to renovate Morrill Hall into a Multi-Cultural Center. If Iowa State University is to be the best land grant university in the nation, it is imperative that there be a building located on central campus dedicated to the research, discussion, and celebration of a multiplicity of cultures. Morrill Hall provides a unique opportunity for such a center, and would emphasize the connection between land grant institutions and diversity. This commitment should be finalized by the end of the Fall 1997 Semester.

8. A large increase in funding for the Kuumba Multi-Cultural School. Extension is an essential component of the mission of land grant institutions. Thus, it is important that Iowa State branch out its diversity goals into the surrounding Ames community.

9. A commitment by the Iowa State administration to be more inclusive in decision-making. The controversy surrounding the naming of Catt Hall might have been avoided had the administration made a greater effort to be inclusive in decision-making. The administration should commit to increased inclusion of students, faculty, and staff in decision-making. The administration should also commit to the inclusion of representatives of diverse groups on campus.

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