GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP – The Stockton University Board of Trustees May 5 approved a resolution requiring all incoming students to take two courses that address race and racism.
The requirement will take effect for the incoming class in fall 2021. It was proposed by Donnetrice Allison, coordinator of the Africana Studies program at Stockton and professor of Africana Studies and Communication Studies.
Allison, who is currently also serving as director of Strategic Initiatives, said the Race/Racism Education Across the Curriculum requirement will ensure that all students, no matter what their major, will receive education in the history and impact of race and racism in America.
Allison said students may take specific race related courses, and faculty will also be encouraged to incorporate race and racism into the courses they are teaching so that the topic will cover all program areas.
“One course alone will not be effective,” Allison said. “If we are ever to address the racial issues this country continues to grapple with, students need to understand that there are levels to racism and that to some degree it is within every field of study.”
Allison said some 20 faculty members already teach about 25 courses that meet the requirement.
Those courses include a variety of programs, such as Race, Class, Gender and Criminal Justice, Race and Politics, Race, Poverty and Education, as well as classes in the Africana Studies curriculum.
Stockton has offered Africana Studies as a minor since 1983. An Africana Studies major launched in fall 2019.
Allison said while Stockton has been supportive of those programs, it has become increasingly clear that all students need to understand the history and impact of racism.
“This can’t just be for students who want to major in the subject,” Allison said. “This is something everyone must understand if we are to eradicate racism and promote equity and diversity. You have to understand the history to support change.”
The proposal was approved by the Faculty Senate before going to the Board of Trustees.
The trustees in July 2020 issued a resolution stating its strong commitment to promoting antiracism and being a leader in social justice issues. That commitment included a charge to review and revise the curriculum and to require coursework on the issue.
“In July we made a commitment, and I am proud to see that commitment become an action that will benefit our students,” board Chairman Raymond Ciccone said.
