Negotiation Workshop Ends

A workshop on negotiation techniques by a professor visiting the campus ended last night as a strategy session for students who have been asking the University for better Latino representation in the curriculum and faculty.

David Dominguez, an associate professor of law at Brigham Young University invited to campus by Raza, suggested students must approach the administration from different directions to improve race and gender relations on campus.

Raza and La O have recently been pushing for more courses on Latino culture and increased Latino faculty hiring. Members have met with Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education Lawrence Buell, but have made little progress.

In a small workshop in Harvard Hall last night, Dominguez advocated a three-part process for increased success in negotiations, beginning with a better understanding of all viewpoints involved.

"You know negotiation learning is working not only when you open others' eyes, but also when your own blind spots are exposed," Dominguez said.

Dominguez said students must "affirm" the administration's efforts while simultaneously challenging Harvard to do more. He also said students must be willing to share the risks involved.

"By inviting new professors to the College, Harvard risks a blow to their reputation if the new professor bombs," he said. "And you must show them that you will share the risk because your education is also at risk."

Although Dominguez discussed negotiation techniques in general, students asked how his suggestions could be applied to Harvard.

Estela Torres '94 said one problem is that the administration is not accountable to them.

But Dominguez said the answer is to search for "the correct buttons to push."

"I've yet to find any administration member without connections to a faculty member or alumni network," he said.

Students were optimistic about applying Dominguez's advice to their own efforts to change Harvard. "I think it will help us greatly by giving us more focus," said Raza President Lilia Fernandez '94.

Dr. S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation, attended the meeting and said Dominguez helped give structure to the students' efforts.