Eugenio Maria de '
Hostos Community College
of The City University of New York

Manetinou 1017 4

Honorable Alived Gilardino, Chairman
Board of Higher Education

535 Hast 80th Street

New York, New York 10021

Dear iMr, Glardino:

Whe Lack of space at |Hostos' 1s so acute as to constitute 4
clear and present danger to the integrity of the instructional
Process, (hav there is noi yusti@iloatvion form! this scandalous
situation is apparent when one considers the record sums of
money that the Board of Higher Education (BHE) recently allocated
for campus development projects to various units of the City
University. Why Hostos Community College must continue to operate
under space limitations of less than 42 square feet per student
when money is appropriated for such plush facilities as a new
Center for the Performing Arts and a student union building at
other units raises serious questions about the equitable distri-
bution of available funds among units of the Clay Unversity ote
New York (CUNY).

One cannot but conelude that the racial and ethnic composition
of the student body at Hostos is*primary reason why this unit
continues to suffer severe privation in its space requirements,
while other units receive more favored treatment. Almost 90% of
the student body at Hostos is black and Puerto Rican and it is this
fact that accounts for the gross neglect of this second youngest
unit in the CUNY system.

No doubt there will be strong disclaimers and expressions of
injured innocence of any racial bias in the allocation of funds
within CUNY. Nevertheless, the burden of proof is on those who
assert that there is no racial motivation in the allocation of
these funds. Racism is so pervasive in the institutions of white
America that those who practice it are often unaware of its in-
fluence as a factor in their decision making. One does not have
to propound the absurdities of a Shockley to be guilty of racism.
This pernicious disease manifests itself in many subtle ways.

Perhaps the fact that the former BHE drapged its feet for
three years in negotiations with the owners of the security Mutual
Insurance building across the street from what now constitutes the
Hostos campus is not racism, but i6 is difficult to convince the
student body that the BHE would allow a similar situation to de-

velop. .at a campus with a preponderance of white students.
475 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York 10451 (212) 993-8000



Honorable Alfred Giardino, Chairman

Given the urgency of the space problem at Hostos, the failure
of the former board of BHE to. secure additional facilities was
inexcusable. To allow the present situation to continue would
border, on the irresponsible.. The college was compelled to deny
admission to 500 students. for this spring semester and the prospect
Of admitting any students dn’ the 411 ts forbidding, vo Say the
least. low can one expect disadvantaged students to function in a
setting which would demoralize even the most academically talented
student ?

We appreclate the Tact that Chancellom Kibbeée has in the past
been sympathetic to our problems at Hostos. But I think there is
need for extraordinary action. I urge you to bring the present
NESoclarvions vo Truivicn of te obtain Other Tacllitvies ror Hostos
in order that the college can fulfill its mission.

Sincerely yours,

Wilfred A. Callender
Associate Professor of
English

Robert J. Kibbee, Chancellor
City University of New York,
Board of Higher Education

Mr. Franklin H. Williams, Vice
Chairman, Board of Higher Education

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