Chicanos in Higher Education: Proceedings of a National Institute on Access to Higher Education for the Mexican American (Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 1975).

Overview & Synopsis

In July 1975, a national institute was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to propose ways of improving Chicano access to higher education. The institute, dedicated to the memory of New Mexico educator Dr. Dolores Gonzales, brought together Chicano educators and representatives of public and private universities, state governments, and the Federal government. They examined the patterns of education and racism that encouraged Chicano students to drop out long before college and proposed educational and political reforms to make bilingual/bicultural education a reality. The proceedings of the institute propose higher education reforms such as open universities, flexible admission standards, Chicano colleges, and increased financial aid. Also discussed is the employment of Chicanos as faculty members and administrators in institutes of higher learning, and ways to improve Chicano participation in these areas. Other topics discussed are the current trends in student admissions and compliance, designing programs for Mexican Americans in higher education, the ineffective mechanisms of affirmative action plans in an academic setting, testing, curriculum, and Chicano alternatives in higher education. (Author/NQ)