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Cuts could slice CSUB programs

By: Matt Munoz / MAS Staff

Topics: 2009, Bakotopia, CSUB, Cutbacks, Latino Studies, Mas Magazine, Matt Munoz, Modern Language Programs, Spanish

Cuts could slice CSUB programs
Possible end of Latino Studies classes sparks heated debate at meeting on Oct. 15.

By Matt Muñoz, MAS Magazine Staff
Photos by Tanya Leonzo (Tanya X)

A proposal that could eliminate the CSUB Spanish degree and Latino Studies programs has sparked debate among Hispanic educators, students and community activists who worry about the message and long-effects of such actions.

During a public meeting on Oct. 15 at CSUB - Dr. Jose Reyna, chair and professor of Spanish at Cal State Bakersfield, said that CSUB will be finalizing plans to make major cuts in some of the school’s most popular programs, including Latino studies. This would include Spanish, a program that in 2009, boast over 87 majors in 2009 alone, as well as Latina American Literature, Latin American Studies, and Chicano Literature.


Above: Dr. Jose Reyna.

No decision has been made, but CSUB officials are reviewing what programs and departments will be cut back to meet an $8.3 million budget reduction next year. Specific news about the cuts will come out by Dec. 1, CSUB officials say.

“They’re putting a moratorium on majors,” explained Reyna of the proposed cuts, along with some possible factors that led to the decision. “There’s too much money for faculty, and our department is top heavy.”

At a recent campus meeting, Latino educators, students and local activists met to discuss ways to save the programs.



They are collecting signatures in a petition drive that calls for sparing Spanish and the Latino Studies programs from cutbacks. The petition will be presented to CSUB’s Dr. Horace Mitchell.

Also, those attending the meeting are planning to organize a “community action group” to help with the cause.

Obviously frustrated, some educators at the meeting mentioned that the proposal has gone so far to show that CSUB is not living up to its mission of being a “comprehensive university.” This includes becoming reflective of Bakersfield’s diversity, and ethnic make-up.


Above: Dr. Anthony Nuno.

“There is an overwhelming Latino presence in all areas of this school,” Reyna said at the meeting, lifting up a pie chart displaying stats that show the current 83 percent Latino enrollment in CSUB’s School of Modern Languages, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “You want multicultural? If you’re going to get rid of a Spanish language program, how can you call yourself a university?”

Edna Molina, a CSUB sociology professor, said the proposal is indefensible.
 
“This program is such a part of our university,” she said at the meeting. “If this program dissolves, we will be the only CSU campus without a modern language program.”

At stake is the possible elimination of CSUB’s Modern Language department, which currently consists of French and Spanish major and minor options.


Above: Dr. Jose Reyna (standing right), and Dr. Anthony Nuno of CSUB address a packed lecture room on 10/15.

These cuts worry Molina, saying disenfranchised Latinos would be directly affected.

“This region has struggled historically to secure higher education,” Molina said. “And if Latinos are cut out, this university will close.”

Such worries are spreading throughout the Latino activists community and beyond.

José R. López Morín, a CSUB graduate who is now an associate professor for the Chicana/o Studies Department at California State University, Domínguez Hills, said such a proposal would deny educational opportunities to the most vulnerable Latino populations.

He praised CSUB for helping him earn a Spanish degree there before he went on to receive a master’s and PHD at UCLA.

“But what I am most proud of are the countless of students, mostly Latino, that I have inspired as an immigrant to seek higher education as a career opportunity,” said Morin.

Nick Belardes, a CSUB alumnus and author added:

“Historically, many French (not even mentioning the Basque) transplanted to Kern County…. Goodness knows this is also a Hispanic area, and so there is a rich cultural legacy that needs to continue not just in the Latino community, but academically, in providing language and literary programs for those bold enough to continue such a legacy without having to be a part of the sad brain drain that occurs in the valley,” said Belardes.

Retired Centennial High School Spanish teacher, Eva Patiño, said the Central Valley has seen its share of adversity involving minorities and education. Now, the latest is the CSUB plan.


Above: Eva Patino.

“Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta…they struggled to have more education for Latinos,” Patiño said at the meeting, asking attendees to make a call for action. “I’ve traveled many places over the years, and the worst place we have it? ¡Aqui! Stand up and be counted.”

Meanwhile, others who are learning about such plans are standing by and observing what will happen.

Actor/Comedian George Lopez who has strong ties to local Latina icon Dolores Huerta is one of them.

“If there was a way that I could help them, I’m sure Dolores Huerta would have contacted me,” said Lopez, in a recent interview promoting his new late-night talk show. “I always have the opening line of communication to her and to that area.”

CSUB Official website

*Story printed in MAS Magazine, November - 2009.