The changing face of Wisconsin, and the university's role
A conversation with Walter Sava, executive director, Latino Arts Inc., Milwaukee, and Marv Van Kekerix, interim chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Extension
Marv Van Kekerix, Interim Chancellor, UW-Extension
Van Kekerix: When most people talk about cultural diversity in higher education, they focus on enrollment and admissions. University of Wisconsin-Extension takes a very broad view of the issue, addressing sensitive topics in constructive ways.
Sava: Racism and discrimination are tough issues, but at least we're willing to talk. In my experience, this conversation doesn't take place everywhere. Americans are willing to confront important topics and deal with them.
Van Kekerix: As that conversation takes shape, what role should the university play?
Sava: In my opinion, universities have not been as aggressive in this area as they could have been. Everyone should have a voice, but educated people ought to lead the effort. The university where people freely "agree to disagree" — can help bring about positive change.
Van Kekerix: That's a niche that we can fill. Our faculty and staff are accustomed to helping people address complex, often controversial issues. We bring an objective, research-based perspective that helps people identify the problem, apply knowledge and find workable solutions. In this case, everyone knows about Wisconsin's changing demographics, but people need help understanding all the implications.
Walter Sava, Executive Director, Latino Arts Inc.
Sava: There are 100,000 Latinos in the greater Milwaukee area alone, a number that has doubled in 10 years. That has implications for the arts, jobs, housing, education and every other area. Within the university, we now have Latinos in top positions, including two on the UW Board of Regents and one as chancellor of UW-Milwaukee. That's progress.
Van Kekerix: Still, there's work to be done. If we're going to provide all Wisconsin people with access to university resources, we must understand the persistent barriers faced by people of color.
Sava: Pre-college programs that target minority children are vital. People wonder why students of color drop out of college. They fail to understand what it's like to be one of a handful of Latino or black students on a campus, without the structure or preparation to help them feel like they belong. Pre-college programs help young people and their parents become accustomed to the idea of going to college, so that minority youth are more likely to feel like they belong there and enter college with a better shot at succeeding.