ISU’s motive for Latino Studies is academic excellence.

I would like to correct any misleading impressions caused by the headline “Latino professor questions Iowa State’s motive in minority issues” in your Sept. 16 issue.

My speech noted that when I arrived at ISU in the fall of 1993, I wondered whether ISU’s stated commitment to establishing a Latino Studies program was a concession to political correctness or to the demands of ethnic “minorities.”

My speech emphasized that I was pleasantly surprised to learn that ISU’s motive, namely academic excellence, was most commendable and genuine.

Indeed, the principal need for ethnic studies programs in any university is to provide students with an education about the various ethnic groups that make up our country.

It is difficult to be educated anymore without some knowledge of Latinos, the fastest-growing ethnic group in the country.

My speech emphasized that the administration has been quite supportive of Latino Studies.

In 1993 there were no faculty members in Latino studies and no courses in Latino studies.

We have made great strides since then.

The administration has provided money to hire faculty members with national reputations in Latino Studies.

Of course, we still need a history course to have a well-rounded program.

But given ISU’s well-documented support for Latino Studies and stated commitment to becoming the best land-grant university in the country, I have confidence we will remedy that lack soon.

Prof. Hector Avalos

Chair

U.S. Latino/a Studies