Advocate Online

On the Road
with Rachel Hendrickson

In October, I attended the founding conference of the California Faculty Association Latino Caucus with about 150 Latino faculty, staff, and students from around California. To say it was a “resounding success” would be an understatement.

Participants looked at issues of institutional racism, problems with retention, promotion for faculty, and access and graduation for Latino students. They talked about opening up the California State University (CSU) system to a group that’s moving toward majority status in California.

I was especially impressed with the students, many of whom intended to become teachers. They’re savvy and committed and understand what’s important in their educations. CSU is the largest provider of teachers to California and needs to make sure Latino students are successful in their college experience, not just at the undergraduate level, but through graduate school, and needs to ensure that the pipeline is opened wide for the students to come.

A great deal of the success of the conference can be credited to Armando Vasquez-Ramos, from CSU-Long Beach. Armando is a member of the first cohort of NEA’s higher education Emerging Leader Academy. I wish the Academy could claim credit for Armando’s activities, but he came into the Academy already an organizing dynamo.

The caucus elected Gonzalo Santos, CSU-Bakersfield, and Lillian Vega Castañeda, CSU-Channel Island, co-chairs; Nestor Ruîz, CSU-Cal Poly, treasurer; and Armando secretary. I predict the group is going to shake up CSU complacency and ensure that the Latino voice is heard and heeded in the system.

—Rachel Hendrickson coordinates NEA higher Ed activities.