Gary Fouse
fousesquawk
Below is a response to my letter of today to UC Irvine regarding the "Standing Rock Is Everywhere" event. It comes from Dr. Thomas Parham, UCI's vice chancellor for student affairs, who originated the New Narratives program, which sponsored the event.
Mr. Fouse: Thank you for your note and for attending the New Narratives forum. Reviews on that program were very positive even as we understand that attendees and even panelists may agree or disagree with the assertions being advanced and opinions being offered by the various speakers. The purpose of the New Narratives series when I developed it was to create a forum where issues of race, gender, identity, oppression, social justice, etc. could become topics of critical discourse and analysis. That is what we intend to deliver in those NN forums. Also, while I do take occasional license to suggest a speaker, the speakers are primarily invited by a committee of students and staff from across the university. In light of your recommendations, I will make sure that those are forwarded to the committee for their consideration. Thank you again for your message. Dr. Parham Thomas A. Parham, Ph.D Vice Chancellor Student Affairs University of California Irvine Irvine, California. 92697 www.vcsa.uci.edu
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Here is my response:
Dr. Parham Thank you for your response. Since the purpose of New Narratives is to treat these issues with critical discourse and analysis, it seems that having conservative speakers would be essential in order to provide the students with balance enabling them to come up with their own conclusions. How can there be critical discourse and analysis when only one side of an issue is presented? I would be grateful if you could advise me as to the committee's decision on inviting Dr Sowell or Mr. Elder to speak at UCI. Thank you again for your response. Gary Fouse
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