Multicultural Coalition Calls on MATC Leadership to Value Diversity and “Restore the Four”

Milwaukee, WI- Today representatives of a coalition of community organizations representing civil and human rights, labor, faith, and education stakeholders delivered a letter to MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz and the members of the MATC Board of Directors.

The letter outlines community concerns about the termination of four employees of color and the abrupt closing of the MATC Multicultural Center, a campus resource with a track record of helping students succeed.

The Coalition is calling on MATC leaders to take action to restore their principles for serving the community. This coalition does not believe that the solutions being offered to replace the Multicultural Center and staff will adequately serve the community.

Pastor Walter Lanier of Progressive Baptist Church stated “By eliminating four advisors – African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American – with nearly 80 years of combined experience, MATC has effectively closed the door on trusted relationships with entire communities. It will be difficult to reopen those doors.”

William Xiong from Shee Yee Community of Milwaukee Inc stated “MATC is an important institution in our community, and this decision to close the Multicultural Center and terminate the 4 staff members does not feel right to the members of this Coalition.”

Pam Fendt, President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council added “It is disappointing that the decision-making about the Multicultural Center and staff, who worked so diligently to help students from various backgrounds, did not include Local Union 212 as partners. Many of the services for students from diverse backgrounds were won through activism over the years. We cannot just easily let that go.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.