COLUMN: Life after controversy

“What now?” is something I ask myself almost every day.

I’m done with classes for the day, so what now? I can’t sleep, so what now? Usually, the answers are pretty simple. I do homework. I count sheep. Other times, the simple question of “What now?” has a not-so-simple answer.

Two weeks ago, I wrote a column that was quite critical of the state of the native studies department at the University of South Dakota. When I wrote the piece, I was out-of-town for Easter weekend and wanted nothing more than a break from the stress I was under with my schoolwork.

I had to write something, so I wrote what was weighing heaviest on me. I even read the finished product to my parents before submitting it to my editor because I knew there would be a potential for conflict. They said if it was truly how I felt, I shouldn’t back down.

So I submitted the file, thinking at most the piece would gain a few extra likes on Facebook from my native studies classmates.

In the weeks since that column hit newsstands, I’ve been overwhelmed by the responses. I got pats on the back from classmates for sure, some accompanied by the odd, “Great job! And if the administration asks, I don’t know you.”

But this piece went far beyond campus. Links to the column were featured on online news websites like Indianz.com. I’ve also received very kind emails from members of the community here in Vermillion as well as individuals from as far away as Missouri and New Mexico expressing their support. Along with the support and encouragement, I’ve also been asked, “What now?”

Leading revolutions isn’t really my strong suit. Because some have asked, I’ll say that out of the messages I have received, none have been from any representative of the university — and I’m fine with this. I wrote the column, but this isn’t just my problem or my story. I’d much rather any administration members concerned by my piece and the response it’s garnered sit down and have a true discussion with my professors, classmates and maybe even former students who have graduated from the department or transferred to greener pastures.

From what I’ve gathered in my relatively short time here, this could be a good first step. Then again, who am I to determine that? And just how likely would such open communication be anyway? How tangible would the results be?

Universities are businesses with bottom lines and profits to consider, but their students are the clients. The opportunity to learn about other histories and cultures is something plenty of students desire, and I might go so far as to argue that such experiences are critical to a deeper understanding of life and the world a college education supposedly entails.

As I’ve tried to communicate with my experience with Native Studies — and as my colleagues in the Arabic department and last week’s editorial can attest — USD is not adequately providing their paying clients with that service.

With all that said, I want to be clear: By attending USD, I have enjoyed plenty of positive experiences and opportunities I likely would not have received elsewhere, including the opportunity to write a regular column in the school paper as a sophomore. It’s not my intention to harass any faculty or administration member in particular, nor am I critical because I hate my school. I’m critical,because I know we are capable of much greater things.

So, what now? The answer to that question isn’t always simple. However, when the question is “What now?” the answer is never “Nothing.”

I’m not sure how best to proceed, but because this is an issue that won’t end along with the spring semester, I think it’s time to start the discussion.