Second protest for increased minority enrollment planned

Temple Student Government and La Asociacion de Estudiantes Latinos (ADEL) will hold another protest rally commencing at the Bell Tower on March 28 at 9:30 a.m. The purpose of the protest is to address alleged racism at Temple University.

TSG’s Diversity Affairs Committee informed TSG that since 1998, black and Latino enrollment has seen negative drops. In 1998, black students made up 23 percent of new freshmen and transfer students, while Latinos made up four percent.

In 2003, the enrollment of black students as freshmen or transfer students dropped to 18 percent, while Latino student enrollment dropped by one percent to three percent. Meanwhile, the enrollment of white students as freshmen or transfer students saw a seven percent increase.

This marks the second consecutive protest in less than two weeks concerning diversity at Temple. Last week, ADEL, supported by TSG’s Diversity Affairs Committee, Spanish Speaking and Latino Students in Social Administration (SSALSA) and various organizations held a protest at the Bell Tower to address Temple’s failure to increase Latino student enrollment and the University’s lack of commitment to the Latino community.

Nonetheless, at Monday’s general assembly TSG press secretary Brian Harvey reiterated that “this is not just a Latino issue, it is a diversity issue.” According to TSG’s Diversity Affairs Committee chairperson, Rorri Geller, the diversity issues also extend to faculty and administration, not only students. Protesters will focus on Temple’s admissions policies toward blacks and Latinos.

Furthermore, the protest on Sunday will most specifically address the Strategic Initiatives proposed by then Temple president Peter Liacouras. Protesters argue that Liacouras’ plan was to increase enrollment from Philadelphia suburbs, particularly among white males. The flier publicizing the protest is accompanied with an excerpt from Liacouras’ speech to inform students of the university’s plans.

There will be an information session to discuss the protest today at 6 p.m. in room 230 of the Student Center.

Vice President of Student Affairs Dekwuan Postell introduced the new interim dean of students, Ron Martel. Martel fills the position held by James Fitzsimmons, who resigned earlier this month.

Charmie Snetter can be reached at snett77@temple.edu.