Despite rumors to the contrary, Assistant Provost of Equity and Diversity Cordell Black is not leaving the university, according to an e-mail sent out by the Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA).
Because Black, a longtime professor and administrator, is a tenured faculty member, he cannot be fired from the university. Instead, as of June 30, 2010, Black will removed from his position as associate provost — a job he has held for 18 years.
The e-mail said Black will likely return to teaching, but in an interview earlier today Black said he’s not sure he has the energy — or reason — to teach anymore.
The Office of the Associate Provost for Equity and Diversity, which houses the Nyumburu Cultural Center, the Office of LBGT Equity and the Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education (OMSE), will not be cut or altered in any way, Provost Nariman Farvardin confirmed earlier today.
Black will be replaced by a part-time faculty member, who will oversee the various diversity departments, while maintaining a teaching role at the university, according to the e-mail. The provost said the position will be reinstated as a full-time job when the economy improves.
More details will be discussed tonight at a rally in the Nyumburu Cultural Center at 6 p.m. Black is expected to attend.
In its e-mail, MICA also noted that there are up to seven other positions in the provost’s office which may be similarly restructured.
mlang at umdbk dot com
