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Spelman Spotlight December 18, 1979 Page 3 Students Polled On Iranian Issue By Samuel M. Matchett In lieu of the present Iranian issue, a sample survey was taken of students in the surrounding colleges. The question asked of the students was quite broad; “What are your comments con cerning Black involvement in the Iranian issue? Of the students polled, the majority consensus was that the issue in Iran was not and should not be one that is divided into “what Whites should do” and “what Blacks should do.” Rather, it was thought that there should be an “American” opinion based on the rationale that we as Black United States citizens are natives of this country and though op pression of our race is prevalent, our struggle is here in America— Where else is there for us to go? We (Black people) cannot expect other nations to support us in any significant aspect. Unfortunately, we have become every country’s nigger. A second opinion that carried notable support expressed a duality of emotion on the issue. One may feel, as a U.S. citizen, that the Iranians have over stepped their limits by capturing an American embassy and holding American hostages, thus the Iranians should either redress their misdeed or prepare for the consequences of severe retaliation. On the other hand, there is the aspect of am bivalence. In view of this feeling of some who think strictly in terms of the “all-american” ideal, there is the disturbing opinion from the “Black-American” viewpoint. This view contends that the U.S. government knew what it was doing when it allowed the Shah into this country, thus, formenting the Iranian crisis. Hence, Blacks in this country, because we have been subject to treatment that is less than equal, should not feel anger at the Iranians who are now revolting because they have also been treated with less than the proper amount of respect and con sideration due them by the U.S. The third opinion that proved vigorous enough to take note of its import is that opinion which declares that Blacks should, for the moment, reserve their opinions and just “lay low” until the American government and Iran come to some type resolution between themselves. The reasoning for this opinion seems to be that Blacks, though born and nationalized in the U.S., have not been treated as true American citizens. Thus, it would be silly and nonsensical for Blacks to get too involved in a conflict that is not a direct Black issue. As one pollee states, “The Iranians are against the Whites not the Blacks.” The last opinion to merit an honorable mention is that of no opinion at all. At the conclusion of this sur vey, the results may be sum marized as follows: We as Black However, one pollee states, “...extremely careful not to be taken in by what may be ploys by other nations to use Black Americans to create divisive sen timent in this country nor should Blacks unreservedly and unquestionably support and stated policy of the U.S govern ment.” Ramon Dawkins—Sr. MC “Blacks will be directly affected by the Iranian situation in terms of its economic, political, and social aspects; consequently, it is important that Blacks have a significant voice in this issue.” Julie Biram Julie Biram—Jr.—Spel—“I feel that the release of Black prisoners was planned in advance and that it was intended to cause turbulence between Blacks and Whites in America ” Marcie Crutcher—Jr.—Clark Blacks should have a very indi rect involvement in the Iranian situation...” Gary Franklin Gary Franklin—Sr.—MC— “Black Americans must neither be taken in by possible ploys to create divisive sentiment in this country nor blindly accept of ficial United States government policy.” Deidre Calcote Deidre Calcote—Jr.—Spel—“I have mixed emotions; I feel that it could be viewed as an American problem or as a Black situation.” Dana Franklin Dana Franklin—Sr. Spel “It should not be an issue about Blacks, but an issue of the American situation. We should work as a nation—Blacks should not be apathetic. Charles (Chuck) Releford—Jr— MC—“It is important for all col lege students to be aware of what is happening in our political world.” Prospects and Problems: Black Education Americans are in a very awkward position having to temper our views on the Iranian situation with the realization that we are both Black and American. over Morehouse and Howard. Many prominent faculty at black colleges moved to white schools because of higher salaries, benefits and academic status. With rising tuition costs, many blacks discovered that white in stitutions could provide more financial aid, newer facilities and greater library resources. Ironically, as black higher education prospered, traditional black colleges were being rapidly destroyed. As a greater propor tion of lower-income black students were admitted in recent years, black colleges began to assume a steadily increasing share of totals costs. At most schools, over 90 percent of all students now receive financial aid. and only about 5 percent are able to pay their total tuition. The lack of a philanthropic tradition among black alumni at most schools meant that black ad ministrators had to appeal to Washington for fiscal help. Preoccupied with school desegregation and related mat ters, at least until recently, H.E.W. and other departments usually ignored the growing desperate financial situation at these institutions. There are now many in dications that the Civil Rights Movement’s ideological com mitment to integration-at-all- costs, especially in higher education, has not significantly reduced the continuing burden of white racism and discrimination against black students. About half of all blacks who graduated from colleges this spring were at black schools. Over seventy-five percent of all black veternarians, dentists and medical doctors graduated from black in stitutions. Over 50 percent of all undergraduates from black colleges obtain a second graduate degree within five years after their B.A. degrees, a higher per centage than for blacks at white schools. On the other side of the color line, black dropout rates at whites universities exceed 60 per cent. Most white colleges have begun to cut back somewhat in their minority recruitment, special services and Black Studies faculty since the early 1970s. The general prospects for Rhonda Goodman—Soph.—Spel —“...Blacks should avoid detach ing themselves from the rest of the American population; as a group we should take a stand in denouncing the tac tics of Khomeini and the Iranian fac tion.” Michelle Hill Michelle Hill—Soph—Spel—“I do not know as much as I would like to know about the situation in Iran because for the past five weeks I pledged DST.” What’s your excuse? Arnell West—Soph—Spel- Lisa Moreland Lisa Moreland—Soph—Spel “I • Kjyn kjytzi i “...White America has done little do not feel that this problem for Blacks in this country. The sboul d be a separation of the Iranians are against the Whites races ’ but > s a problem of the not the Blacks.” total United States.” Trustees Meet in New York By Cynthia Williams On November eight and ninth Spelman College held its annual Board Of Trustees’ meeting in New York City, New York. At this meeting various committees representing different aspects of the college gave updated reports. Spelman Student Government Association President Donna Dunlap was present at these meetings and also gave an update onS.S.G.A. activities. Donna’s report included the at tention the S.S.G.A. Executive Board is .now focusing on cultural and educational enrichment. This has been done by Spelman’s previously named Advisory Board being renamed Spelman’s black education remain cloudy. It seems likely that blacks will find it increasingly difficult to ob tain admission to white graduate and medical schools, depending of course on the interpretation of the 1978 Supreme Court Bakke ruling. Affirmative action programs have been watered down at some institutions; a num ber of prominent and politically active black faculty at white in stitutions have been denied a decline in black college enrollment for the first time in many years. Some larger black universities, like Tuskegee In stitute, Atlanta University and Howard University, will continue to attract philanthropic and federal aid. But there is the real danger that the majority of traditionally black, Southern colleges will close their doors permanently by the 1990s. The rush toward integrated higher education has condemned them to obscruity and neglect. Manning Marable is currently writing the history of Tuskegee Institute with the assistance of a Rockefeller Foundation grant. | Women’s Action Coalition or SWAC. This organization is com posed of students from all the four classes here at Spelman. Also created by the Executive Board of the S.S.G.A. are the Cultural and Educational Board along with the establishment of an External Affairs Board. A general sense of optimism was expressed by Donna con- cemiing the Board Of Trustees’ recent meetings and the 1979- 1980 academic year. Speaking on the Board meetings specifically, Donna stated, “I was very pleased to see the first black female Spelman graduate as the President of the Board. She han dled the meeting very well. She is definitely an asset to Spelman.” The S.S.G.A. President also has big expectations for the 1979- 1980 school year. Donna ex pressed these expectations by saying, “The 1979-1980 academic year is proving to be a new and exciting beginning for the S.S.G.A. We are attempting to furnish an environment that stimulates student involvement and provides opportunities for character growth.” Next Sptolight Staff Meeting Wednesday, January 9