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UNC search suspension contradicts investments

TO THE EDITOR:

One of the 33 suspended searches in the College of Arts & Sciences is the American Studies position to replace American Indian scholar Michael D. Green.

I recognize the University's need to trim its budget. However this position cannot be cut without detrimentally affecting graduate students undergraduates and the recent investments of the University.

In 2006 the University opened its American Indian Center and last year American Studies added American Indian Studies as an undergraduate major.

Yet in the wake of these additions the University and American Studies risk not filling the position responsible for a majority of the course offerings for undergraduates including Western Native America Eastern Native America and 20th Century American Indian History. These classes reach enrollment limits every semester filled with majors and non-majors.

Many of the American Indian students on campus minor in American Indian studies and come to Carolina because of its vibrant American Indian undergraduate population and its academic emphasis on American Indian scholarship.

The loss of the latter will indirectly result in the loss of the former.

As for graduate students who already face limited course offerings on American Indian topics this position provides the critical American Indian Readings Seminar and this faculty member serves as an adviser to graduate students interested in American Indian topics.

I strongly encourage the American Studies Department to move forward with its hire for its American Indian scholar.

 

Julie Reed

UNC Ph.D. Student

History


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