Office for Equal Opportunity
North Carolina
State University

Location & Hours
1 Holladay Hall
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday

Mailing Address
Campus Box 7530
Raleigh, NC
27695-7530

Phone Numbers
Main: 919-515-3148
Fax: 919-513-1428
TTY: 919-515-9617

Equal_Op - May, 2004, Volume 4, #4

Brown v. Board of Education: A Decision of Great Social and Ideological Significance

This year, many institutions across the country are commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. The Brown case was actually a compilation of several cases from the states of Kansas, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The cases were banded together and argued in December, 1952 by Thurgood Marshall, who was then chief attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Speaking for a unanimous Court in announcing its ruling on May 17, 1954, Chief Justice Earl Warren said: “Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.”

The decision effectively denied the legal basis for segregation in some 21 states with segregated classrooms and forever changed race relations in the United States. With its ruling in Brown, the Supreme Court struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) for public education, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, and required the desegregation of schools across America. The Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education did not abolish segregation in other public areas, such as hospitals, restaurants, hotels, water fountains, and restrooms. The Brown decision also did not require the desegregation of schools by a specific date and this led to protracted struggles in some localities to resist the Court's ruling.

The Brown case signaled the end of “de jure” segregation in the United States, that is, segregation of public places that is mandated by law. Once the Brown decision was handed down, the African-American community, along with forward-thinking white Americans, placed sufficient pressure on the legal and political system to bring an end to state-supported segregation in all public facilities during the twenty years following the Brown decision.

It is doubtful if the Supreme Court in all its history made a ruling of greater social and ideological significance than the Brown decision. The court's action fifty years ago was a turning point in the desegregation of public schools and other public facilities. The impact of the Brown decision is felt every day at NC State University. The first African American undergraduates to attend NC State did so in the years immediately following the Brown decision. Today, African Americans comprise nearly 10% of the students enrolled at NC State.

During 2003-04, the programming theme of NC State's African American Cultural Center (AACC) is “Brown v. Board of Education: A Catalyst for Change.” This academic year has seen an impressive array of diverse programs with nationally renowned speakers, such as Julius Chambers (former head of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund), Dr. Mary Futrell (dean of the Graduate School of Education at Georgetown University and former head of the National Education Association), Ms. Cheryl Brown Henderson (daughter of Oliver Brown, the named plaintiff in the Brown case), and Dr. Terrence Roberts (one of the “Little Rock Nine”). Join the African American Cultural Center as it concludes its year-long commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Brown decision with a celebration, complete with birthday cake, on Monday, May 17, 2004 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the AACC Multipurpose Room (126 Witherspoon Student Center).

Highlights from the 2004 Faculty Salary Equity Study

Overview

In 2001, NC State allocated more than $700,000 in salaries and benefits to remedy salary inequities reported in the “North Carolina State University Report on the University-Wide Salary Equity Study,” an analysis based on Fall, 2000 salaries conducted by Haignere, Inc. This year's study, conducted by University Planning and Analysis based on Fall, 2003 salaries, indicates that, for tenure-track faculty, the disparity between female and white male salaries has been reduced on average by about two-thirds to -$297. The disparity between minority male and white male salaries has been reduced by more than half to -$1,276.

For more information, see the complete report.

Ken Duncan Receives Provost's Award

In the Spring of 2003, a DSS student with low vision requested accommodations for IE 210, Introductory Engineering Graphics for Industrial Engineers, which she planned to take during the upcoming Fall semester. This course, an overview of the fundamentals and applications of computer graphics and computer-aided design, was a degree requirement and involved graphical representation and 2D and 3D spatial problems. In addition, the course involved computer-based tools and industrial engineering drawing applications.

Accommodation planning began early, since the course was visually intensive and large print format was requested. A team of university faculty and staff identified access problems and individualized solutions. Homework had to be completed on specialized paper called plates, which were too small for use by the student. Professor John Freeman, Department of Math, Science, and Technology Education, investigated the possibility of purchasing double-sized plates. These could be made, but at a great expense. After learning the cost, Professor Freeman talked with Ken Duncan of Oce-USA Wide Format Printing Systems, who offered to provide double-sized plates at no cost, saving NC State almost $600. Mr. Duncan also offered additional copies and provided a CD of the enlarged plates for future use. Mr. Duncan's donation of his time, materials, and resources not only allowed equal access to a very important course, but also demonstrated that he is well deserving of a Provost's Spotlight on Access Award.

Girls on Track 2004 Math & Science Camp

Continuing in its sixth year, Girls on Track 2004 Summer Math and Science Camp for middle school girls will be held June 21-25 and June 28-July 2 with emphasis on the importance of math and science skills for young women. The camp is directed by Professor Sarah Berenson of the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education and funded by the College of Education, in collaboration with Professor Mladen Vouk of Computer Science, and Professor Virginia Knight of Meredith College. The program aims to keep talented girls in Wake County on the fast track through middle school, high school, and into college, while boosting their interest in math and science related careers. Forty girls, rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, will be selected to participate. Activities include Sports Algebra, a Raleigh Landfill trip, and a forensic study. For more information, visit the Girls on Track website, or call the Center at 919-515-2013 for a brochure and application.

EOI Participants Win Competition

Katie Uhrin, a graduate student in Counselor Education, and Josh Elmore, an undergraduate majoring in Criminology, competed against graduate students from other colleges and universities on March 6, 2004 at the Southeast Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW), held at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Both students participate in NC State’s New Student Orientation in their work for the Division of Undergraduate Affairs.

Upon arrival at the weekend conference, the students were given a case study problem to work on. The next day, they were given five minutes to present their solution to the judges and five minutes to answer questions. The case study involved how to fairly and legally handle a request made by the KKK to register to set up a table at a fictitious university's new student orientation. Uhrin and Elmore won the case study competition, their first, by addressing many different points in their solution, including consideration of the university's mission statement; the potential for a hostile environment for students and possible resulting liabilities; the need for guidance from the university's legal affairs office to determine possible liabilities from denying the KKK the right to participate in the orientation; and the need for an announcement that the university and orientation did not endorse any group's values or missions.

The Office of Equal Opportunity is especially gratified that Katie and Josh cited the knowledge that they gained from our Equal Opportunity Institute as helpful in constructing their case study solution. In particular, workshops on equal opportunity and affirmative action laws and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provided information on what is required of employers to maintain a harassment-free environment. Congratulations, Katie and Josh!

One Voice: Matt Ronning on Study Circles

In this issue, we interview Matt Ronning, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director, Research Administration & SPARCS, about his participation in the NC State Study Circles program.

Equal_Op: How has participating in an NC State Study Circle benefited you?

Matt Ronning: The Study Circle was a remarkable experience for me. What benefited me the most was to recognize that perspectives and behaviors of individuals are influenced greatly by their environment. Like most people, I have had in my life an opportunity to “look down my nose” or “frown upon” those with different opinions, characteristics and beliefs. And although I've taken pride in my perceived level of tolerance and compassion for different opinions, I also found out that I make judgments and decisions based in part (sometimes a larger part than I'd like to admit) on my background, the environment in which I immerse myself, and the behavior of those with whom I've sought mentorship.

Equal_Op: What was your favorite aspect of the Study Circles program?

Matt Ronning: I took the code of conduct rules very seriously and felt very comfortable being open and honest about myself. It may sound funny, selfish, or even pompous, but being able to speak my mind and not hold back was my favorite part. Some of the others held back, and although I would have been even more thrilled with the program had they been more open, I really learned a lot about myself and others by being frank, open, and honest. It is a safe environment, and I left every meeting wishing that not only could we stay a bit longer, but also energized about the conversation and preparing for the next session.

Equal_Op: What surprised you about the program?

Matt Ronning: Few events surprise me in the sense of being caught in a situation or program outside of my expectations. Where Study Circles exceeded my expectations, however, was the flexibility the moderators gave to move onto tangents and their ability to move us back on track. I suppose, however, I was surprised to find out this program isn't offered more often.

Equal_Op: Would you recommend Study Circles to other NC State employees and students?

Matt Ronning: Not only would I, but I have, with great enthusiasm, already encouraged my entire staff and members of the broader research administration community to participate. n

Reminders

• Exit Interviews: If you are a departing faculty member, or if you are a department head or personnel representative who has been informed of a faculty member's separation from the university, please contact Dr. Rhonda Sutton at 919-513-1234 to schedule an exit interview. Dr. Sutton will also send an exit interview questionnaire to the faculty member for completion.

• Accommodation Taglines: Include accommodation taglines in all advertisements for summer workshops, programs, and public lectures. Allow plenty of time to provide for accommodations to persons with disabilities, and hold programs and workshops in accessible locations.

• Unlawful Harassment Presentations: As you plan your orientations this summer for new students and employees, consider including a presentation on unlawful harassment. This is an important issue that impacts faculty, staff, and students, and everyone should be aware of harassment and discrimination laws and policies. Dr. Rhonda Sutton, assistant vice provost and director of Harassment Prevention and Equity Programs, can tailor a presentation to meet your department's needs. Contact her at 919-513-1234 or by email at to schedule a program.

OEO Resource Directory

Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO)
1 Holladay Hall
Campus Box 7530
919-515-3148
www.ncsu.edu/equal_op

Disability Services for Students (DSS)
1900 Student Health Center
Campus Box 7509
919-515-7653
www.ncsu.edu/dss

Disability Hotline
To report a disability or accommodation issue or concern, send email to ADAHotline@ncsu.edu.

Harassment Complaints
For help with a harassment concern, contact Dr. Rhonda Sutton at 919-513-1234 or rhonda_sutton@ncsu.edu. [Update as of 11/2006: For help with a harassment concern, contact Amy Circosta at 919-513-1234 or amy_circosta@ncsu.edu.] You can also submit a harassment complaint online at www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/harassment/
harassment_complaint_form.html, or send email to report_harassment@ncsu.edu.

Hiring Procedures & Search Committee Orientations
If you are beginning a new search for a position, OEO encourages you to call 919-515-3148 to schedule a search committee orientation.

Training & Workshops
For information about our workshops and course offerings, please see www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/education.html or contact Beverly Jones Williams at 919-513-3836.

Faculty Exit Interviews
If you are a departing faculty member, please contact Dr. Rhonda Sutton at 919-513-1234 to schedule your exit interview. [Update as of 2/2007: For your exit interview, please contact Carson C. Cook at 919-513-2099 or carson_cook@ncsu.edu.]

About Equal_Op
This newsletter is published by the Office for Equal Opportunity at NC State University. It is available online at www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/pubs.html and in alternate formats upon request.

If you have questions or comments regarding this newsletter, please contact the Office for Equal Opportunity at 919-515-3148 or by email.