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From: Carolina Indian Voice
Date: 13 Sep 2004
Time: 21:09:15 -0400
Remote Name: 172.156.159.77
Dear Chancellor Meadors: I read with grat concern the article that appeared in the August 12, 2004 edition of the Carolina Indian Voice entitled, "Lumbee Faculty Almost Extinct at UNC-P." Both of my parents were graduates of the University and I have made substantial contributions to the University and established two scholarships for needy Lumbee students. Although we moved away from Pembroke when I was in the tenth grade, I have stayed in touch with the happenings at the University. I know that the University is very important for American Indians, and the Lumbee Indians in particular, of which I am a member. I agree with the concerns expressed in the article and think it is very important that American Indians, including Lumbees, be a substantial part of the faculty. If necessary to obtain this goal, the University should have a pro-active program to assure tha qualified candidates are available. If funding for such a program would be a problem for the University, would be willing to assist in obtaining such funding. I would appreciate hearing from your reaction to the article, and whether or not you would be interested in any assistance from me. James A. Thomas Editorial Comment: We appreciate Mr. Thomas' quick response to the statistics prepared by Dr. Reginald Oxendine relative to Lumbee Faculty being almost extinct at UNCP. Dr. Meadors could recruit more Lumbee faculty. It is that simple. The matter of qualifications is moot. We have many qualified Lumbees. Some of them have even applied for positions and did not receive an interview. This sounds like a designed plan to make sure no other Indians are hired. Indians are not unaware of this technique. However, you clothe it, racism is still racism. Maybe Dr. Meadors is not part of this apparent method of eliminating Lumbee faculty. If not, he should show us that by immediately hiring more than a token Lumbee. Our friend Dr. Stan Knik stated that Dr. Cherry Beasley, Lumbee, is teaching in the nursing program. We appreciate that information and even with her addition, Lumbee representation on the faculty is still not what it should be. Fayetteville State University, established as a Black University, maintains a grat Black presence in faculty and administration. We are not even asking for a GREAT PRESENCE of Lumbee faculty. Only what is fair. Our fair share at UNCP is the right things to do. Sadly, people very seldom do the right thing without a little encouragement. We urge you to contact the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and other parties in positions to bring about lasting change. Call them, write them e-mail them. Articulate the problem, and offer to help. And do not be mislead by rhetoric, intimidation or threats that your friends or neighbors could lose their positions if too much focus is brought to the situation. The focus in alrady there and most of them have tenure.