The Asian-American Curriculum Transformation (AACT) should be applauded for its efforts to broaden the Tufts curriculum. But at the same time, the group must realize the University's resources are scarce, and that Tufts does not have the money to cater to every demographic.
The University is understandably balking at the AACT's request. There is merit in diversifying course offerings, and in recent years students and faculty have nobly tried to add courses in Latino, Native American, as well as Asian-American studies. Since it cannot afford professors in all these fields, the University has adopted measures such as curriculum transformation to satiate students within budget constraints. The AACT should be aware that even while there may be high demand for such course offerings, is it not the only priority on the table. Besides the plethora of under-represented cultures vying for representation, existing departments are also in dire need to expanded resources.
But there is possibility for improvement in the existing arena. The AACT submitted two petitions last semester signed by over one-thousand students and has been in close touch with the anthropology department, which has two openings. Department chair Jim Ennis should strongly explore the possibility of finding an professor of Asian-American studies who could enhance Tufts' academics. Even the small women's college Mount Holyoke has three full-time professors trained to teach Asian-American Studies. Tufts currently has three courses in the field.
The AACT is pursuing a worthy cause, and it should focus on the openings in the anthropology department. But the University cannot respond to every call for its resources. Enrollment of Asian-American students have declined in recent years and the Economics department, for instance, is bursting at the seams with student majors, yet many go their first two or three years without the benefit of a tenured professor. Groups pushing for diversity should continue to push, but they should also realize they're fighting an uphill battle.
