WE ARE SALEM - The Points behind the Protest

WE ARE SALEM

The Points behind the Protest:

1.      We want more classes:

a.       Race and Ethnicity Studies:

                                                              i.      Until a day before the protest, there were no classes for Race and Ethnicity offered Fall 2011.  The day before, a core class appeared on the schedule.

                                                            ii.      After the protest, there was another core class offered for Race and Ethnicity.

b.      Women’s Studies:

                                                              i.      As of April 14, 2011, 1:50pm eastern time, there are no core classes offered for the Women’s Studies major for Fall 2011.

                                                            ii.      In the 2010-2011 course catalog, there are no guidelines as to when the core classes will be offered or not offered.

                                       iii.    There is only one class offered under the women’s studies major other than an independent study or an internship.

                                                          iv.      According to your 2010-2011 catalog, there are six professors who have the ability to teach women’s studies classes, minus, of course, Assistant Professor McQueeney, who is mentioned in the catalog but will be leaving.  These able educators include Professor Ljungquist, coordinator; Salem Distinguished Professor Dulan; Associate Professors Dunn, Porter, Smith and Zehr.

                                                            v.      This is a major at Salem college that, according to the 2010-2011 course catalog, requires 12 courses, 4 of which are core classes.

                                                          vi.      In essence, we want more women’s studies core courses.

2.      We want to keep our professors and get more:

a.       We want Professor McQueeny to stay.

b.      There was a mention of hiring three new professors, but the departments to which they were to be hired were not mentioned.  Are there going to be any more professors hired for Race and Ethnicity studies or Exercise Science studies, which desperately need them?

c.       There have been numerous people leaving, not just professors.  Deans, professors, etc. have suddenly seemed to leave all at once.  This causes a great deal of fear among the students.

d.      There have been rumors the Exercise Science professor, Professor Fox, is leaving.  This would completely destroy this major.

3.      Other Important Points:

a.       We understand it takes time to build up new departments.  However, why were the new departments of Exercise Science, Race and Ethnicity, and Women’s Studies not first offered as minors so that the programs could be built up before offering them as majors?

b.      On Friday, April 8^th, 2011.  I, LeeAnn Holmes, went to the registrar’s office and talked directly with a woman that works there.  I asked her three questions:

                                                              i.      Are there going to be courses added?

1.      Her answer was: There are only two courses that might be added and that is an interior design course and a fine arts course.

                                                            ii.      Are any classes cross listed for Race and Ethnicity majors and Non-Profit majors?

1.      Her answer was: Race and Ethnicity had some classes cross listed.

                                                          iii.      Are there no classes offered for Race and Ethnicity and Non-Profit majors this semester?

1.      Her answer was: There are no core classes offered for the Race and Ethnicity major this semester.  Not-For-Profit Management courses were moved on the course schedule for fall 2011 under the subheading of Policy, Politics, and Public Service.  While under the Arts Management and Not-For-Profit, nothing shows up.

                                                          iv.      SUMMARY:

1.      I was led to believe there would be no core courses offered for Race and Ethnicity majors.

2.      Not-For-Profit majors are confused because they are still looking under the subheading of Arts Mgmt/NFP Mgmt, instead of the subheading Policy, Politics, PublServ.

3.      It was said that only maybe would two more courses be added.

c.       The Protest

                                                              i.      Our main goal was a peaceful protest.

1.      We refrained from using foul language or degrading terminology.

2.      We did not engage in physical or verbal attacks.

3.      We marched outside, so as not to directly disrupt classes or meetings in session.

4.      This was an all inclusive event:

a.       Anyone who had questions about the event was answered to the best of the protestors’ abilities.

b.      Anyone who wanted to support our cause was encouraged to do so.

c.       Every Salem student and professor who chose to participate could do so by either protesting or wearing Salem college attire.   Also, “I am Salem” stickers were available to everyone.

5.      Everyone was encouraged to write peaceful letters of questions and demands to President Pauly, Dean Barr, and Dean McEalaney-Johnson.

6.      The protestors at the student government meeting were not disruptive in any way.

                                                            ii.      We were attempting to unite Salem to a common cause.  Our goal was not to divide and disrespect.

1.      Our chants consisted of:
“We want classes!
We want professors!
We want options!”

“Salem sisters hear our call
We want equal chance for all
Give us classes, give us choices
Unite our sisters and our voices!”

2.      We encouraged others to join us, and if they didn’t, we did not disrespect them.

3.      We did not enter buildings so we would not disrupt classes or meetings.

4.      Our goals were mainly to have others become aware of our concerns and respect our discontent and call for change.

d.      Response

                                                              i.      Dean Barr addressed us directly, out on the square and asked us who we wanted to talk to.  We asked for President Pauly.

                                                            ii.      President Pauly manipulated her schedule to address us on the square.  She listened to us and then said we should talk to Dean McEalaney-Johnson.  She also said that we could continue protesting if we so desired.

                                                          iii.      Dean McEalaney-Johnson walked by us, but didn’t stop, and then reprimanded us at SGA, but did not stick around for us to talk to her afterward.  (We do not say this to attack or accuse, we say this to point out facts.)

                                                          iv.      At the SGA meeting, I, LeeAnn Holmes, was misquoted.  I do not have a problem with any deans, I just feel like my concerns aren’t understood or being completely listened to.  Also, we were accused of being misinformed at the SGA meeting; however, all the information acquired for that speech was acquired third hand instead of first hand at the protest.

                                                            v.      In essence, we felt like our concerns went nowhere.  We talked to Dean Barr, who then let us talk to President Pauly, who then directed us to Dean McEalaney-Johnson, who we are just now able to talk to today.