Mexican American Studies Reinstated At UNC
GREELEY, Colo. (CBS4)- The Mexican American Studies program at the University of Northern Colorado was reinstated on Friday with the intent of expanding and growing the program.
The program includes majors in Mexican American Studies, Mexican American Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree- Liberal Arts Emphasis and Social Studies Secondary Teaching Bachelor of Arts Degree- Mexican American Emphasis.
This comes after the university decided to suspend the program in late March when they had a very low enrollment. There was a protest to that decision because Hispanic and Latino students say the decision marginalizes minority students.
More than 16 percent of UNC's undergraduate student body identifies themselves as Hispanic or Latino.
"Mexican American Studies educates students, teachers and the broader community about the important contributions of the fastest growing cultural group in the United States," said Chairperson of UNC's Department of Hispanic Studies Joy Landeira in a statement.
Faculty is finalizing a two-year plan that includes work to develop new courses, consider program expansion and implement targeted marketing, all with the intent of growing enrollment.
"Diversity and equity are essential to UNC's mission as a public research university, and Mexican American Studies is a critical component of delivering on that mission. The majors foster a sense of cultural identity, prepare students to work in a changing world, and promote leadership in the community," said UNC Provost Robbyn Wacker in a statement.
According to UNC, students who earn the Mexican American Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree–Liberal Arts Emphasis focus on the historical development and cultural experience of Mexican Americans, often in preparation for pursuing a career in business, public service, education or law. The Social Studies Secondary Teaching Bachelor of Arts Degree–Mexican American Studies Emphasis prepares students to teach social studies to culturally diverse students at the middle school and secondary levels.
