Cornell University Gives a Shot in the Arm to Africana Studies

Last December, students at Cornell University protested the decision to place the Africana Studies and Research Center under the jurisdiction of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Previously, the director of the center reported directly to the provost. In a statement, the faculty of the center said they were “surprised and appalled” that they had not been consulted before the decision was announced.

While many students and faculty remain opposed to the new arrangement, the administration has taken a major step to show its continued commitment to the Africana studies program. Earlier this month, the administration announced that the center’s permanent annual budget would be increased from $2.3 million to $3.5 million. This is a hefty increase of over 50 percent.

In addition, the center will receive a one-time allocation of $2 million to “recruit new faculty, support research, and develop a new Ph.D. program.”