Much to Do for Ethnic Studies

On Oct. 23, The Crimson published a story titled "Ethnic Studies' Future: Discipline or Department?" (News feature). I was interviewed for this story, and quoted as saying, "It's very clearly the case that Harvard is not being negligent," in its handling of the ethnic studies question. Further, the interviewer goes on to state that I believe that Harvard is already adequately addressing ethnic studies in the curriculum. These two statements misrepresent or distort my views on the subject.

Since I believe my views were misrepresented in the piece published by The Crimson (some would say this was certainly nothing new by Crimson standards), I wanted to set the record straight.

In my interview with Elizabeth Bangs, I wanted to make clear that Harvard was doing something on the ethnic studies front, but I also made it clear that doing something is not the same as doing all, or even most of what can and should be done. Harvard has some very talented people teaching and doing research in the area of ethnic studies, and the questions raised by the study of ethnicity attract a great many students.

But Harvard does not have an adequate coordinating program or department to bring these students and faculty together in ways which enhance their joint exploration of this area. This is an issue which remains very much unresolved. So is the question of whether the University has a strong commitment to seeing ethnic studies courses consistently represented in the general curriculum. In short, it's clear that there is a good deal that remains to be done.

I hope that in its reporting in the future, particularly on issues of such importance to the student body. The Crimson takes the time and care to listen to what people are really saying. These debates are not meant to be incendiary, and certainly not meant to be presented in black and white.

They are simply to continue to try and make Harvard the best university possible. Michael Jones-Correa   Assistant Professor,   Department of Government