By RoseAnne Gutierrez
I am writing in regards to the article titled, “Academic
Affairs candidates focus on diversity” (News, May 2). I am
gravely concerned because my platform was not properly represented.
Some points were completely omitted and others were wholly
misrepresented. I stated in my interview with the reporter that I
plan to create a Diversity Taskforce, which would ensure a wide
student base to directly shape admissions policy with the repeal of
SP-I and SP-2, the Regents’ policies banning affirmative
action in admissions and hiring.
The article incorrectly stated, “She also wants to create
a student diversity coordinator to increase racial
diversity.” One of the basic tenets of the Diversity
Taskforce is to ensure that more students can be directly involved
in the shaping of admissions policy. Unfortunately, the idea of a
single voice to increase “racial diversity” conveyed in
The Daily Bruin is in opposition to the goals of student
empowerment, equal access, campus safety and community awareness
that I, and the rest of the Praxis candidates, stand for.
Also, my platform was reduced to appointing a “student
diversity coordinator” and holding office hours on Bruin Walk
and in the residence halls. Although office hours on Bruin Walk and
in the dorms are important to me, I also plan to emphasize the need
for next year’s student representatives to the Academic
Senate to be accessible. This way, students can become more
familiar with the Academic Affairs Commission, which will continue
to be utilized as a tool for increased involvement. Contrary to
that which was stated, I have always encouraged and welcomed
students who get involved and take ownership of their campus.
In addition, I am disappointed that what was printed did not
communicate the more in-depth platform that clearly conveys my
familiarity and experience with the commission. During my
interview, I emphasized my commitment to student issues such as
diversity, access, retention and outreach. These are over-arching
issues that are being addressed, and will continue to be addressed
by the Student Retention Center, the Community Programs Office and
the student-initiated outreach projects, as well as the USAC
offices I currently work with.
I plan to continue working with the current Academic Affairs
Commissioner, Ana Lynn Rocio, for admissions reform as a member of
the Academic Senate’s Committee on Undergraduate Admissions
and Relations with Schools. I want to help facilitate inroads
toward a student population more reflective of our surrounding
communities. As I have stated above, the Diversity Taskforce will
ensure student involvement in the creation of these new
policies.
If elected, I will continue to support and foster such entities
as the Academic Affairs Commission’s Student Departmental
Senate, which directly facilitates undergraduate involvement and
empowerment with respect to students’ major departments and,
therefore, their educations. This was expressed during my
interview, but was not reflected in the article that was
printed.
I wanted to draw attention to these discrepancies between what
was said in an interview vs. what was printed in the article. I
welcome The Daily Bruin and the rest of the student population to
approach me with any further questions or concerns.