Sept. 22, 1983
Black Ink
Page 5
YOU • YO
Black professor attrition result of
dissatisfaction
by Tonya L. Smith
Staff Writer
Black professors do not leave the
University of North Carolina
because they have given up the
fight. These professors are qualified
individuals who are not only ex
pected to do their jobs, but also to
find the most appropriate way to
deal with discriminatory practices.
Sometimes they are wearied by the
struggle.
Dr. Lee Greene, assistant dean of
the College of Arts and Science, said
one reason why black professors
leave is because of the quality of
life at the university and in the city
of Chapel Hill. Greene said that
black professors may leave because
of betler opportunities for career
advancement elsewhere. He added-
that another reason is the black pro
fessor is expected to be everything
by the students and by their depart
ments.
"He is consequently overworked,
underpaid, and under-appreciated,"
said Greene. The final reason Dr.
Greene gives is that the black pro
fessor becomes tired of being used
as a token for his department.
Dean Hayden B. Renwick,
Rawlins
associate dean of Arts and Sciences
and Dr. Greene have both had pro
fessors confide in them about racial
problems in the past. There are
various committees and offices set
up to maintain the black faculty.
The Affirmative Action Office has
grievance procedures for personal
conflicts of both black and white
professors. The Office also enforces
the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other
civil rights laws. It deals with areas
such as employment, recruitment,
trairfing, advancement, grievance
procedures and the employment of
related persons.
There are many things that black
students can do to support the black
professors. Benjamin E. Rawlins, the
acting Affirmative Action Officer
said students should voice their sup
port of black professors and also
participate in the semester evalua
tion of professors.
Since most black students are not
aware of the problems that black
professors face, Renwick encourag
ed students to sponsor more events
that black professors can attend so
that more inter-action can take
place between black students and
black professors. Greene said
students should voice opinions in
numbers, not individually.
The attrition of black professors is
a problem that demands immediate
attention. Some people see it as a
bad reflection on the black popula
tion, while others understand that
racial conflicts or other problems
probably lead to their departure.
There are no clear-cut solutions to
this problem; however, blacks must
make sure to neither overreact nor
under-react to the problem. It is a
question of logic and systematic
study.
The loss of a black professor not
only leaves student wih one less role
model, but other black professors
also lose close friends and
psychological support of a black
colleague. "We need all the role
models we can get," Renwick add
ed.
There are varying opinions on the
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future of racial discrimination at
this and other universitites. Greene
believes that it will probably in
crease. Not only has minority stu
dent enrollment decreased, but the
number of minority professorships
has also decreased since last year.
Rawlins said he hopes descrimina-
tion at this university will decrease.
Renwick sums up by saying it ac
tually depends on people and how
they act and react toward one
another. "The discrimination is still
here, but it is not as overt as in the
sixties," he said. Dean Renwick,
when speaking of descriminatory
practices ^till taking place, said, "I
don't think they'll ever shock me
again." ■
Renwick
BSM and BGC plan
homecoming events
by Cherie Evans
Staff Writer
Homecoming celebrations create
warm connotations in the hearts of
all, because this is the time set aside
to reflect on the past. While review
ing the agony and suffering that ac
companies progress, students
should acknowledge ac
complishments and feel proud.
The Black Student Movement,
with the support of the Black Greek
Council, has planned activities that
will help Blacks identify with the
successes and failures of our ethnic
culture. The activities are not only
designed to recognize our growing
credibility to UNC, but to society as
a whole.
There will be a BSM-BGC Ball on
Saturday evening, September 24, in
Great Hall This event is an annual
homecoming fund-raiser that usual
ly creates the scene for the corona
tion of Miss BSM However, the cor
onation of Miss BSM will be delayed
this year due to the early homecom
ing schedule The Ball is a semi-
formal affair, designed to combine
good food and good freinds for an
evening of cultural awareness.
A pep rally, featuring the BSM
cheerleaders, has been planned as
part of the fesitivities. Everyone is
encouraged to participate in the
BSM celebration ■
DON'T MISS
The BSM's &
Black Greek Council
^^Blue and Black'' Homecoming Ball
Saturday, September 24, 1983
9 p.m. -1 a.m. |
Formal Attire ■
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