GREELEY, Colo. — More than 50 people who attended a forum on Friday are demanding answers after a degree majoring in Mexican American studies was suspended.
Latinos in the group said it was an insult to their culture.
Donna Bottenberg, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was scheduled to host the forum, along with Department of Hispanic Studies Chairwoman Joy Landeira and Dean of University College Tom Smith. Only Landeira, Smith and a moderator discussed the issues raised by students, faculty and others who attended.
Bottenberg said the decision involved other people as well and was based on facts about the program.
“In the future, I’ll communicate in writing,” she said.
The hastily arranged forum came after pushback from Latino students and professors following the university’s decision to suspend the major last month because of low enrollment.
Just two students are majoring in Mexican American studies this year, and only 11 students enrolled in the 2010-11 academic year.
