Academic Affairs Committee Discusses House Master Diversity

At its first meeting since last spring, the student-composed Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) met last night to discuss the question of ethnic diversity among the House masters.

The members noted that of the 12 couples currently serving as House masters, only Karel and Hetty Liem of Dunster House are not of Caucasian descent. Committee members pointed to the recent retirement of Eliot and Kirkland House masters as a chance to change this statistic.

The committee discussed the composition of a letter that will request that ethnic diversity be considered when choosing new House masters. The letter suggests that individuals of color or those interested in improving race relations should be considered.

The AAC has also nominated a long list of professors and University faculty members they feel would be qualified. The AAC plans to submit the letter to the College administration sometime this week.

Macarena M. Correa '00 led the discussion last night and will draft the letter.

"I don't know how many people of color have been asked or been considered for the masters position...but we would just like to see a colored face," Correa said. "There are many initiatives to improve race relations at Harvard, but you look to the Houses, and you don't see any initiative made there."

According to Correa, House masters play a large role in promoting interaction and improved race relations in their House.

"Masters select the tutors that interact with students," she said. "Masters set the atmosphere for the House."

The meeting was attended by about 10 students, both undergraduates from the College and graduates from Harvard School of Education and the Kennedy School for Government.

While various cultural and ethnic organizations were represented, most attendees were also active in the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, a College-sponsored body that provides a forum for discussions of race.

Willaim L. Everson '02 said the initial step to inspire the election of masters of color is only a first part of a larger goal.

"The reason for the lack of diversity among House masters comes from the lack of diversity among Harvard faculty," said Everson, who is also part of the Japan Society and Asian American Brotherhood. " The short-term goal is to have a person of color appointed as a House master, but a more long-term goal is to get more diversity on the faculty."

The AAC has been an ad hoc committee, convened by students to address particular concerns involving racial and ethnic issues. The AAC contributed to the review of ethnic studies classes which is currently included in each addition of the CUE Guide for Harvard classes. Because no ethnic studies department exists, students felt the need to help their fellow students be aware of the classes related to ethnic studies.