Are we not supposed to be a school centered around the diversity of the Bay Area? Yet, CSUEB is instead a place that throws other students’ education on the chopping block. After receiving a letter of acceptance to CSUEB, I learned that the school may be transformed into a place centered only on math and the sciences, according to articles in The Pioneer. Things are tough enough as it is, and now I learn that my new school thinks I’m irrelevant to an agenda they’re pushing for.

Had I known this before applying, I may have applied elsewhere, to another school that finds me significant to the academic growth of my generation.

In the article, it is mentioned that we are behind in science and math. But we need to realize that we are not behind in other areas of study compared to other developed and developing countries. I feel that centering on only four curricula doesn’t solve our overall lack of education in the math and sciences. And we should not be overlooking other studies just because we lack in a couple. Should we not be focusing on producing and creating a more diverse curriculum to get more students in school in general?

I understand the emphasis on math and science, but don’t push me, and many others in my situation, aside. Do you mean to tell me that art is not important? that it will not turn me into a globally aware citizen or entice me to explore my world?

I think there are other ways to pursue this proposal without affecting a large portion of the school. Instead of completely changing the school’s core, why not augment departments to include the “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) idea as that will include, not exclude, students? We can show that we are balanced in how we view education.

At this moment, I feel discomforted and worried about my future at CSUEB. I feel that I’m being told I’m second-rate, and I should not have to feel that way about my academic institution. I hope that someone hears this plea and works on the behalf of the artist and the philosopher, because we’re here and we’re never going away.