ESL Returns to Address the MATC Board

On November 29, ESL instructors and instructional chairs Bara Omari and Anastasia Beznik Frieseke addressed the MATC Board (comments begin at the 6:30 mark) about a number of continuing issues including inequitable policies, staffing gaps and other concerns that contribute to MATC failing to meet the needs of ESL students. Even though these problems were brought to the Board by the ESL Department in February, and again with support from the ESL community in April, they continue to persist. ESL students are an important part of the student population at the college and within the metro Milwaukee area. These students, many immigrants, attend MATC as a first step towards joining the greater Milwaukee community and are not receiving the support they need. We have a unique opportunity at MATC to make a difference in Milwaukee by better serving the ESL community. While progress has been made in response to this collective advocacy, improvements have been slow in coming and without guarantee of support for frontline professionals and ESL students. As a result, diligence from 212 members and leaders will be needed for the foreseeable future.

Watch ESL dept.'s comments beginning at the 6:30 mark HERE

Read the previous March update, which received local news coverage, HERE