Experts: Funding, too-few black faculty among challenges for African-American studies programs
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Protests by University of Missouri black students that forced the administration to address racism and other problems mirror efforts decades ago that led many majority white schools to create African-American studies and other programs.
But some experts say those programs and ethnic studies departments across the country are struggling with funding, low-staffing and dwindling enrollment.
African and African-American Studies at Lehman College in the Bronx once had 10 full-time faculty members, but now has only five full-timers and one substitute assistant professor whose term expires in June.
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Chair and professor Mark Christian says he believes most departments in black studies around the nation have similar problems with a lack of investment from administrations.
Michigan State University professor Joe Darden agrees, saying there is no push to increase blacks in faculties.