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MDC Minutes 2011-10-21.doc
REDWOODS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Multicultural and Diversity Committee
Friday, October 21, 2011
 Eureka: 7351 Tompkins Hill Road, CA100
 Arcata: 435 Crestwood Drive
 Bayside: 1501 Irene Street
 Del Norte: 883 West Washington Boulevard, Room E3
 Point Arena: 41341 Harris Ranch Road
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Members Present: Dennis, Michael; Emenaker, Ryan; Green, Toby; Herrera-Thomas, Deanna;
Mancus, Philip; Mease, Ana Maria; Moon, Ruth; Potamianos, George; Shaw, Justine.
Members Absent: Peter Blakemore
Also Present: Vincent Peloso, Erin Wall.
1.
Call to Order at 11:23.
2.
Introductions and Public Comments: No public comments.
3.
Approve the October 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes: On motion by Michael Dennis, second
by George Potamianos, the minutes were unanimously approved.
5.3
Discussion Items, Multicultural and Diversity Committee Participation in Book of the
Year Activities, Vinnie Peloso
Chair Justine Shaw called for discussion item 5.3 to be taken up first as a courtesy to guest
Vincent Peloso. In the course of the discussion, Ryan Emenaker was suggested as MDC liaison
to the BOTY, since he serves on both committees, and he agreed. BOTY members are
brainstorming ideas for events and activities. The DVD of the movie will be available Dec 06th,
and the library will be contacted to order three copies, one for each library. The speakers are
excited about presenting to the college. Dana Maher distributed copies of a book chapter
authored by one of the speakers, Tiyi Morris, “Local Women and the Civil Rights Movement in
Mississippi.” Ryan noted that women typically supported the freedom riders through less
obvious, but more nurturing actions such as providing food, clothing, shelter, and
communication networks. He added that the speakers regularly present together, and to a diverse
range of audiences. George Potamianos asked if the speakers could address the conflicting views
of how well, or how poorly, the book captures what segregation was really like. Michael Dennis
asked how can we make this relevant to students today. Vincent Peloso said the BOTY
committee discussed these same questions. Ryan said there are two themes or unique aspects to
the movement centered in Jackson MS; one, there was no real leader; and two, it was not so
much about getting rid of segregation as it was about power and control. Deanna HerreraThomas agreed that there are many other kinds or types of segregation than legally mandatedsocial, economic, cultural, etc. centered on power issues.
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Justine Shaw asked if there had been any word on HSU’s funding. Vincent Peloso responded that
at this time, CR is taking the lead on the speaker arrangements and hoped to have it finalized by
Thanksgiving break. The BOTY wants to get on the planning agenda for Spring budget
discussions. Various MDC members offered background on how funding for different programs
similar to MDC and BOTY have in the past been provided. Consensus was that informal
processes are not adequate to sustain and maintain any program. Vincent Peloso shared the
history of BOTY support and funding.
Vincent Peloso invited anyone to help out with planning Spring activities. Discussion followed
on various events and prizes that might be offered. Ana Maria Mease said the Latino Film
Festival was tentatively scheduled for March 6-8, and Vincent said the speakers are likely to be
here in early April, so there would be no concern for a conflict.
5.4
Discussion Items, Basic Skills Initiative Funding Application, Erin Wall
Chair Justine Shaw then asked that agenda item 5.4 be brought up next as a courtesy to guest
Erin Wall, who was on the phone. Erin reminded committee members of the BSI grant funds,
and encouraged the MDC to apply for these grants. Apparently, there was an ESOL application
for funds made last year for BSI, but there was some misunderstanding or disconnect. Justine
Shaw asked Erin to explain the BSI grant process. Erin explained that the new form will clarify
what the BSI committee looks for: number of students served; a plan to increase enrollment to a
sustainable level; a plan for outreach; outline of delivery methods to the community; plan to
work with local communities and / or organizations, for example, churches; and how to get
enough students to enroll, and have a plan for enrollment. There followed a discussion and Q&A
on each point.
Deanna Herrera-Thomas asked for the membership of the BSI committee, Erin said: Harry Pyke;
Jeff Cummings; MaryGrace Barrick; Keith Snow-Flamer; Barbara Jaffari; Rachel Anderson;
Ron McQueen; and Vincent Peloso. Random discussion followed regarding the ESOL program,
where it “lives” i.e., which department could take responsibility, or should it be its own
department and the possibility of situating it within the CTE division. Justine Shaw stated,
wherever it “lives” it needs support and an area coordinator with release time for outreach.
Deanna stated that we have data supporting the need, that state guidelines incorporate ESOL
within BSI, and asked what are the range of numbers the BSI committee is expecting to see. Erin
replied that the BSI committee has a copy of the consultant ESOL report. Members then
discussed the stops and starts at CR over the years regarding ESOL, with Ana Maria Mease
noting that there has never been any continuation or follow up so that each time it’s like starting
all over anew. The committee members thanked Erin Wall for her time and explanation of the
BSI funding applications process.
5.1
Discussion Items, ESOL Program
Chair Shaw recommended the committee discuss the ESOL program next since, which seemed a
logical extension of the previous discussion item. Members discussed and reviewed the “ESOL
program” that has never really existed. The English department has traditionally felt that ESOL
does not belong in that department. However, it was noted that many ESL students are
recommended into ENG 360- and some ENG 360 classes are funded with BSI funds. Committee
members discussed the possibility of pitching a case for ESOL getting dedicated BSI funds,
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rather than having to request funds via application process, since ESOL is in the BSI mandate.
Some members thought the deadline had passed, but Ruth Moon remembered a recent email
from MaryGrace extending that to Nov 1st. Ruth Moon also suggested that, if grant funds are
secured, the committee could then use the Stipends and Reassigned Time Committee to assign
and compensate a coordinator position. Deanna Herrera-Thomas and Justine Shaw said they had
a meeting with Latino community advocates on Nov. 2nd, to listen to their needs and get outreach
ideas. Philip Mancus reported that there is no ESOL program or even a conversation about it at
Del Norte, but he sees a real need for it in his students in his classroom. Philip then asked for
clarification of where the discussion was going. Justine explained that she was meeting with
Pres. Goswami later today, along with Ana Maria, Toby, and Deanna, to advocate for a minimal
TLU budget for ESOL per campus, for release time for a coordinator, to discuss a mixed credit /
noncredit class like Mendocino’s for Spring, hoping to start small and grow the program. Also,
the idea that ESOL should be directly funded by BSI and not have to apply every year. Deanna
reported that they will provide Utpal with a copy of the McIntyre report and the ESOL
consultant’s report of 2008-09 since both show a consistent history of the same
recommendations. In response to a question from Philip, Justine noted that “ESL” qualifies as a
discipline, and that a reliable placement testing instrument is needed.
4.
Action Item 4.1 Finalize and Approve Statement Regarding the Committee’s Tie to
CR’s Mission for the Web Page. Discussion was brief and on a roll call vote, following motion
by Michael Dennis and second by Deanna Herrera-Thomas, the following addition to the current
MDC mission statement was approved, to be inserted as the first sentence:
“The MDC supports the CR mission to promote equal access to life-long learning, educational
opportunities, and economic vitality, to all populations within the district it serves.”
Roll call vote as follows: Dennis, Michael - Y; Emenaker, Ryan - Y; Green, Toby - Y; HerreraThomas, Deanna - Y; Mancus, Philip - Y; Mease, Ana Maria - Y; Moon, Ruth - Y; Potamianos,
George - Y; Shaw, Justine - Y.
Discussion item 5.2 Diversity Training and Report item 6.1 Multicultural and Diversity
Committee Spring 2012 Activity, Ryan Emenaker, tabled to next meeting.
7.
Justine Shaw reported that she will be out of town for the November 18th meeting, and
requested a substitute Chair, and Deanna Herrera-Thomas was appointed. Next meeting
November 4, 2011.
8.
George Potamianos moved to adjourn, Deanna Herrera-Thomas seconded, all voting
Aye, meeting adjourned at 12:35pm.