University of Virginia Library

Baker Resigns Position
On Black Studies Committee

By Steve Grimwood
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Citing retrogression of the
Afro-American Studies Program and a
lack of interest toward improvement on
the part of Dean David Shannon,
Houston A. Baker, Jr., Associate
Professor of English, has resigned from
the Afro-American Studies Committee.

In a letter of resignation sent to Dean
Shannon on March 10, Mr. Baker also
named "ineffectual structure and
budgeting procedures" as hampering the
growth of the program.

He later explained in an interview that
the basic structure of the
Interdepartmental program left Afro-American
Studies with a very small budget, and therefore
it was impossible to attract the necessary
people in order to make the program a success.

Mr. Baker stated in his letter that his
decision to resign came about from the results
of two meetings that he and Joseph
Washington, the head of the program, had with
Dean Shannon.

"The meetings, first of all, were conducted
in a very removed fashion; one would never
have surmised that we were discussing a most
important aspect of the University's future." At
the second meeting, Mr. Baker felt that the
proposals submitted by the Committee "had
received little thought."

The proposal had called for the creation of a
department for Afro-American Studies, with
the members of this a department holding joint
appointments in other departments at the
University.

Dean Shannon reportedly said at this
meeting that nothing can be done for next year.
This statement, coupled with the "no urgency"
conclusion that had been reached regarding the
recommendations of the Committee, led to the
resignation of Mr. Baker.

Retrogressive Program

Mr. Baker further stated in his letter that
"The program ... will have retrogressed. This
retrogression, it seems to me, springs directly
from the attitudes and answers that came forth
in our recent meetings, and since there will be
no change in those attitudes in the near future,
I do not feel that I can endorse the
impoverished program they necessitate.'

"I cannot in conscience support or
recommend a course of study that is
incomplete and bound to that incompletion by
the willing consent of this university."

When Dean David Shannon was asked about
the matter, he said that the allegations made by
Mr. Baker were unfair. "I was disappointed to
get the letter," he continued, "but we have a
better program than he says."

He further stated that he felt Mr. Baker was
attempting to create "a political issue" by
making the reasons for his resignation public.

When questioned about the budget
difficulties, Dean Shannon replied that Mr.
Baker's main complaint was that "he doesn't
have a budget that he controls."

Optimistic Note

When Joseph Washington was contacted, he
said: "I understand his position. I am hoping
that we can still work some things out."
Continuing on this optimistic note he said that
he and Mr. Baker looked at the situation a little
differently.

"Perhaps if we push from two ways,
something can be accomplished." He added
that he believed Mr. Baker resigned because "he

felt this was the way to move. He didn't feel
the program was moving."

When asked if anyone has been considered
to take Mr. Baker's place, Mr. Washington said
that "no appointment has been made." He
added that "We don't have everything we need,
but some things take time."

The Afro-American Studies major was
initiated at the beginning of this year under the
direction of Joseph Washington of the Religion
Department. According to the brochure
distributed by the University: "The major
covers the unique history, culture and range of
uncommon problems common to 25 million
black Americans. As such, it is a promise to
black students and an opportunity for white
students."

Mr. Baker's resignation concerned only his
position on the Afro-American Studies
Committee. He is still a member of the
Department of English and will continue to
teach courses under the auspices of the
Afro-American Studies major.