Give us something

Something, for the most part, is better than nothing.

The OU African American studies program is a prime example of this theory.

The status of the department has been shaky since a request for a tenured professorship was denied in October. Faculty in the department assert the growth of the program is being stunted by a lack of support from the College of Arts and Sciences. College administrators say a lack of control over the department prevents a strong effort to improve a valuable program.

You're both right. Now, stop making excuses and get working toward a solution. If you don't soon, OU will have nothing - instead of something.

The consequences of ignoring this situation are enormous.

First, students could lose an extremely popular program in which classes often exceed set enrollment.

Second, the university could lose an important recruitment tool, especially for minorities.

Last and most important, everyone could lose knowledge if the course material were to be included in other departments' curricula.

The solution is simple: department faculty and college administrators, together, need to evaluate the program's problems and needs and find the answers and resources.

Dividing up the courses, giving them to other departments and eliminating the African American studies department is not an acceptable solution. Other departments already should include African-American perspectives.

Whether the African American studies department remains "something" or becomes "nothing" is the wrong question entirely. The university needs to figure out how to make this "something" into "more."

Because more, for the most part, is better than less.

The Black Affairs Commission of Student Senate has asked for more from the university with discussions about an African-American cultural center.

The commission, which is leading an effort for African-American students, says it needs a place for African-American students to have cultural events, to recruit minority students, to educate all students on African-American issues and just to call "home."

Although we support the building of such a facility, any issue becomes sticky when it involves funding a project that seems to benefit mainly a small part of the university.

However, the university needs to provide areas for all students so they can feel comfortable. If a special center would provide African-American students with an outlet they don't have in existing campus programs for non-minority students, then the university should support it.

The university doesn't seem to be willing to give the commission as much as it's asking for, so African-American students should look for other acceptable alternatives.

Perhaps the university could match outside funds for a facility, or a special area could be devoted to African-American students' interests in the future student center.

The commission already has considered changing the proposed African-American facility to a multicultural center. This is a good idea, but if it doesn't suit the desired purposes, don't just use it as leverage to get the administration to pay for a building.

If none of these alternatives are impossible, then the commission and students need to place more pressure on the administration.

Demand what you want. You have every right to ask the university to serve the needs it meets for every other student. Don't be satisfied with less - hold out for more. In the end, the entire OU community will be happy you did.