Education
Native college students upset with professor


Native students at Fort Lewis College in Colorado are upset over a journal article written by a professor that criticizes them as being too "quiet."

The students say Professor Andrew Gulliford, director of Center for Southwest Studies, used their names, classwork and other information without their consent. They say he stereotyped tribal culture.

"The Kokopelli Conundrum: Lessons Learned From Teaching Native American Students," appeared in the American Studies International. In it, Gulliford described Native students as "quiet and well groomed," "impeccably polite," "shy," slow to speak up and reluctant to challenge professors. He says this has affected their ability to succeed.

Gulliford has issued two apologies but some students want him to resign. Native students make up about 20 percent of the student population.

Get the Story:
Magazine article sparks firestorm (The Farmington Daily Times 11/22)
Fort Lewis College professor's article stirs racial tension (The Denver Post 11/21)
Gulliford controversy leads some to reflect on classroom privacy (The Durango Herald 11/19)

Relevant Links:
Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College - http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu
American Studies International - http://www2.gwu.edu/~asi