HISTORY The Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Department was hastily formed in April 2004 with no central plan, mission, or program goals. Ms. Carretta Cooke was promoted to the Executive Director position of MSA without a thorough national search for a qualifed Director. Within six months of MSA formation and Ms. Cooke\'s promotion, all three Directors of H/LSA, A/AASA, and AASA resigned. One year later, in spring of 2005, MSA still had not formed a central plan, mission, or program goals despite student concerns and complaints. CURRENT STATE OF MSA Four years later, the Northwestern community is still feeling the effects of the ill-prepared creation of MSA. MSA and its Executive Director have failed to provide students with any legitimate understanding of its current function and objectives and its long-term vision. Furthermore, MSA and Ms. Cooke have obstructed student involvement in its decision-making processes and have failed to adequately address student grievances and recommendations for MSA improvement. DEMANDS We, students, alumni, faculty, and administrators, demand the creation of a Multicultural Student Affairs Task Force. The Task Force should first and foremost explore the existence and necessity of MSA. If MSA is deemed necessary for the Northwestern multicultural community, the Task Force must improve MSA transparency, accountability, and student involvement. FURTHER ACTIVISM In addition to this petition, we are also organizing a letter-writing campaign for members of the Northwestern community to describe their own experience with MSA and its Executive Director Ms. Carretta Cooke. If you would like to participate by writing a letter, please contact [email protected] for additional guidelines. COMMENTS In the comments portion of your signature, please describe any leadership positions held and year in the NU multicultural community. ANONYMITY We understand that not all petition signers are willing to publicly disclose their names. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please check the appropriate box below. Note: Email addresses of public and anonymous signatures will never be published. For a list of specific grievances, please visit: http://docs.google.com/Docid=dd27fc73_2gc75bdgt For a timeline detailing the creation of MSA and student involvement, please visit: http://docs.google.com/Viewdocid=dd27fc73_1cnvg73f4