"Native students are pushing a number of tribal community colleges, state universities and Ivy League schools to claim record enrollment numbers in 2006.
But Native students' needs aren't always a priority.
Last week, I provided a media lecture to American studies and history students at Yale University. Assistant professor Alyssa Mt. Pleasant later arranged for a casual dinner to meet with Native students at Yale.
It proved to be an interesting contrast, given a few days earlier I had the opportunity to talk with Native students at the University of Montana.
While at Yale, I met with Indian students at the Asian/Native American Cultural Center, a campus building shared by both Native and Asian students. The interior d�cor reflected an eclectic mix of paintings, wall decorations and furniture from both cultures.
The students, others and I talked about media issues. But I also had the chance to ask about Native life at Yale. On this day, the students were excited. For too long, they had asked Yale's leaders to hire an assistant dean to support Native students.
After all, the university had hired assistant deans for the Asian, black and Hispanic campus students. But it seems Native students at Yale didn't have enough clout, given their small numbers. Even though they are touting record enrollment numbers this year, only some 75 Native students attend the university."
Get the Story:Jodi Rave: Native students lacking services (The Missoulian 11/25) Relevant Links:
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