Montclair State University
PCAA 2001-02

Minutes
January 18, 2001

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I. Call to Order

A. Chairperson Jacobowitz called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM

B. Minutes of the December 21 meeting were distributed, reviewed and approved with corrections to strike the last sentence of Page 2, Paragraph III E under Old Business.

C. Shape of the River Discussion on Chapter 2

In considering race in college admissions, affirmative action becomes scapegoat. One of the members commented that one of our nationÕs large Universities accepts 40,000 applications for 5,200 freshman spaces annually. Yet, candidates who are not admitted think they lost their place due to affirmative. They hardly ever consider that places in the class were reserved for legacies, athletes, and other students with special talents. They think of affirmative action as a ) sum gain Š their space being taken away by a minority. How do we counter white student reactions when they ask why they should be responsible for injustices to minorities that occurred before they were born.

A. List Serve and Website Cindy Meneghin

Cindy presented a printed sample of the proposed web page. She suggested that we include a copy of the PCAA constitution and add more links to include University policies and procedures.

B. Physical Plant Issues Updates

V.P. Hain reported that everyone on the Commission should have e-mail within the next few days.

She also announced that that the second round of diversity and human relations training sessions start the end of January. Bob Kidd and Alan Oppenheim are co-chairing a committee that will survey customer satisfaction. A Commission member made a remark that a recent Montclairion article maligned physical plant employee characterizing them as thieves. In our discussion, we concluded the possibility that stereotypes related to race and ethnicity may have contributed to these allegations and perceptions. Perhaps focus groups may help eliminate biases.

C. Job Postings

Issues have been addressed and resolved.

D. Classified Worker Concerns

Angel Herbert stated that people of color are still dissatisfied with the rates at which they earn promotions in comparison to their white counterparts. Angel is waiting for Cathy McDonald to confirm a meeting between her and V.P. Hain to discuss these concerns.

E. ADA

Elaine Fine wrote a letter to the PCAA indicating that she is investigating how to form a constituency for person with disabilities.

F. Affirmative Action Day Planning for February 22 Barbara Milton

Barbara recommended that we have a panel discussion on Diversity and Race on Campus or invite a guest speaker from the corporate sector. Another suggestion was to ask "Facing History and Ourselves" (speakers from the recent Center of Pedagogy Advance) to return and make a presentation on policies that are shaped by racism. We could also, ask LASO and OSAU to cosponsor the event the PCAA. We need food and handouts for the event. Any program we decide to have needs to be thoughtfully designed.

The consensus was to have the flag raising at 12 noon and a general meeting.

Barbara will also investigate the feasibility of a debate on affirmative action (pro and con) with New Jersey Assemblypersons Kevin OÕToole and Nia Gill after our regular meeting on March 15.

G. Constituencies Without Alternates

President Cole responded to Cindy MeneghinÕs letter requesting that alternates be a appointed where we currently have vacancies with some constituencies. In the interest of time, the PCAA should proceed without them.

A. Request to Cosponsor Event

Marina Cunningham asked the PCAA to cosponsor a conference featuring "Facing History and Ourselves" with the Global Education Center and the Dean of Students Office on April 3-4. She will discuss the request at our February meeting.

B. Analysis of the PresidentÕs Final Report on Equipping University Police with Firearms

Tabled

C. Committees

Our three sub-committees were asked to meet briefly to select a chair and review their charges. Students were asked to join a committee an to contribute student issues to each.

Submitted,

Michael Brown
Recording Secretary